Effect of active MgO nano-particles dispersion in small amount within magnesium-ion conducting polymer electrolyte matrix

Abstract This paper reports effect of dispersing active MgO nano-particles in small amount within magnesium-ion conducting polymer electrolyte matrix. The electrolyte films are prepared by solution casting techniques and experimental techniques are employed to carry out structural, electrochemical and mechanical analysis. SEM and AFM micrographs demonstrate a variation in surface morphology and maximum roughness height with the incorporation of MgO nano-particles within the polymer electrolyte matrix. The nano-composite polymer electrolyte film with optimized concentration of 1 wt% MgO nano-particles delivered an ionic conductivity of 1.49  ×  10−4 S cm−1 at 25 °C, though its crystallinity is higher than the pristine. In depth, ion-conduction has been probed with the help of dielectric and modulus behavior of electrolyte system as a function of MgO nano-particles concentration, frequency and temperature. The mechanical studies reveal a Young’s modulus of 150 N mm−2, mechanical strength of 2.7 Kgf and stress of 2.6 N mm−2 at a maximum load of 10 Kgf for the optimized electrolyte film. The reported electrolyte can be utilized in rechargeable Mg batteries due to its high conductivity, flexibility and mechanically stability.