Influence of succinonitrile plasticizer on ionic conductivity, structural and dielectric properties of potassium-based PEO/PVdF blend polymer electrolyte

Electrolyte membranes with PEO and PVdF complexed with KNO 3 have been prepared using solution cast technique. Succinonitrile has been added in different weight percentages to PEO:PVdF + KNO 3 blend polymer electrolyte system. The prepared electrolyte membranes were characterized using X-ray diffraction, Scanning Electron Microscopy, DSC and Fourier Transform IR Spectroscopy to examine the structural properties. Impedance spectroscopic analysis was carried out (between the frequency 10 1 – 30 × 10 6 Hz) for wide range (0–15 wt%) of succinonitrile concentrations on blend polymer electrolyte membranes in the temperature range of 303 K-353 K. The ionic conductivity of the electrolyte membrane has been enhanced with succinonitrile concentration and maximum ionic conductivity (8.79 × 10 –5 S/cm) was identified for 12wt% at room temperature. The temperature dependent ionic conductivity followed the Arrhenius relation and is attributed to increase in ion dissociation which allows greater number of charge carriers for ion transport in the electrolyte. Wagner’s method has been used to investigate the transference number.