Fabrication of Free Standing nano-SiO 2 Incorporated Solid Polymer Electrolytes based on Poly(Vinyl) Chloride

Free standing nanocomposite polymer electrolytes (NCPEs) based on the polymer host poly(vinyl) chloride (PVC) were successfully prepared using the solution casting technique. Lithium nitrate (LiNO 3 ) and nano-sized silica (SiO 2 ) (< 100 nm) were employed as the electrolyte and filler, respectively. Impedance studies revealed a maximum ionic conductivity value of 1.226 x 10 − 4 S/cm at room temperature for the PVC/LiNO 3 with 5 wt.% nano-SiO 2 . X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis verified the sample's amorphous nature. Dielectric permittivity and relaxation time values were consistent with impedance results. Additionally, parameters such as diffusion coefficient, mobile concentration, and mobility were evaluated for the prepared samples. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) studies confirmed a change in glass transition temperature (T g ) of PVC/LiNO 3 /SiO 2 sample. The scanning electron micrograph (SEM) images revealed a honey-comb morphology, indicating ease of Li + ion transportation.