Scaling of AC conductivity, electrochemical and thermal properties of ionic liquid based polymer nanocomposite electrolytes

In the present study, polyaniline nanofibers have been grown inside the interlayer galleries of montmorillonite clay to form effective hybrid nanofillers. The effect of nanofillers on the properties of ionic liquid based polymer electrolytes has been investigated by varying the nanofiller concentration systematically. The dispersion of the hybrid nanofillers effectively enhances the ionic conductivity, electrochemical stability and the thermal stability. Scaling of AC conductivity shows that ion concentration and ion diffusion length change with changing nanofiller concentration. The dispersion of nanofillers increases free volume of the electrolyte to facilitate the ion hopping that result in increased ionic conductivity. Highest room temperature ionic conductivity of 7.7 × 10−3 S cm−1 is achieved at 7.5 wt. % of the nanofiller content. Electrochemical stability increases with increase in nanofiller concentration attaining a maximum value of 5.8 V at 7.5 wt. % of nanofillers concentration. The thermal stability is enhanced on the addition of nanofillers as they act as heat and mass transport barrier for volatile species.