Li+-NASICON crystallites in PEO-LiCF3SO3 matrix: Characterization of a novel hybrid electrolyte

Structural, thermal and electrical transport in PEO-LiCF3SO3 solid polymer electrolyte dispersed with Li+-NASICON crystallites has been assessed. Fine submicron crystallites of LiTi2(PO4)3 (LTP) were added in appropriate amount during solution casting of the polymer films. Thus the compositions 95[PEO1 − x-LTPx]-5LiCF3SO3 have been synthesized for a wide range of LTP content (x = 0-0.9). Electrical conductivity increases with LTP content monotonically. Highest room temperature conductivity of ~ 7 × 10− 5 Ω− 1 cm− 1 has been obtained for the sample with x = 0.9 of LTP which is ~ 43 times higher than that of the sample with no LTP content. FE-SEM investigations performed on pellets with higher LTP content suggest uniform distribution of LTP particles in the polymer matrix. Preliminary investigations reveal that mechanism of electrical transport in SPE-LTP hybrid composites is greatly influenced by LTP content.