Electric field driven fractal growth in polymer electrolyte composites: Experimental evidence of theoretical simulations

The influence of electric field on the diffusion limited aggregation has been observed experimentally. The observation provides experimental confirmation of the theoretical model proposed by Zhi-Jie Tan et al. [Phys. Lett. A 268 (2000) 112]. Most strikingly, a transition from a disordered ramified pattern to an ordered pattern (chain-like growth) has been observed. The growth is governed by diffusion, convection and migration in an electric field which give rise to the different patterns. This Letter can also be considered as an experimental evidence of computer simulated fractal growth given by Huang and Hibbert [Physica A 233 (1996) 888].

► Different kinds of patterns have been grown in polymer electrolyte composite by applying bias during ion movement.
► The appearance of different kinds of patterns is attributed to the anisotropy within the system caused by the voltage.
► The Letter demonstrates the experimental simulation of the effect of electric field on pure DLA.
► Experimental observation is a confirmation of the theoretical model by Zhi-Jie Tan et al. [Phys. Lett. A 268 (2000) 112].
► The observation is also a confirmation of the effect of voltage on DLA by Huang and Hibbert [Physica A 233 (1996) 888].