Electrical and structural properties enhancement in plasticized high Tg polymers using metal salts

ABSTRACTPlasticized polymer electrolyte composite has been prepared in the form of a film by solution casting method. Poly (ethyl methacrylate) (PEMA) acts as a host polymer and is doped with Sodium Iodide (NaI). Ethylene carbonate (EC) added as a plasticizer and also enhances amorphicity of the polymer electrolyte. The electrical conductivity of the PEMA+NaI was evaluated using complex impedance spectroscopy. Maximum ionic conductivity obtained at room temperature was 8.75 × 10−6 S/cm with the composition of PEMA: NaI (30%) + 60% EC. The conductivity further increased with increase in temperature and moved up to 5.8 × 10−5 S/cm. Scanning electron microscopy was used to study the surface morphology of the composite film. Fourier transform infrared ray and X-ray diffraction data confirmed the complexation of material.