Investigations on electrical properties of poly(vinyl alcohol) doped with 1-methyl-3-n-decyl-imidazolium bromide ionic liquid

Thin films of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) that are 100–500 μm thick were prepared by solution casting method. Various ratios of 1-methyl-3-n-decyl-imidazolium bromide ionic liquid [MDIM](+)Br(−), were used as dopants (plasticizers) to control the conductivity of the PVA thin films. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was used to indicate the detailed interaction of PVA with proton of the dopant in the blends. Ac impedance spectroscopy was used to investigate the impedance of the films within a frequency range of 10–106 Hz as a function of temperature between 298 and 425 K. Each film with a precise doping concentration was sandwiched between two stainless–steel electrodes. The results showed that the electrical conductivity can be engineered by controlling the [MDIM](+)Br(−) doping concentration. Therefore, those films have potential to be used in flexible and cheap organic device applications.

► PVA films doped with ([MDIM](+)Br(-)) were prepared by solution casting.
► The chemical composition of the blends was confirmed using FTIR.
►  Ac spectroscopy was used to investigate the electrical properties.
►  The films’ resistivity was controlled by controlling the doping concentration.