Improved mechanical and electrochemical properties of PVDF/PEO/LiClO4 based solid polymer electrolyte by using TiO2 and MgO nanoparticles

Abstract

The poly (vinylidene fluoride) PVDF and poly (ethylene oxide) PEO-based solid polymer electrolytes are gaining popularity due to their good electrochemical and mechanical characteristics. In the present work the polymer electrolyte is prepared by taking 80% PVDF, 20% PEO, and 20% LiClO4 through rigorous mixing. Further, the properties of PVDF/PEO/LiClO4 based electrolyte are improved by adding TiO2 and MgO nanoparticles in different proportions. The results show that the addition of TiO2 and MgO nanoparticles has a significant effect on the electrochemical characteristics and mechanical properties of the electrolyte. The maximum current onset potential of 4.97 V is observed with a 4% concentration of TiO2 nanoparticles. Also, the mechanical properties such as ultimate stress and failure stress are increased with the addition of nanoparticles. The ionic conductivity of the electrolyte first increases with an increase in the concentration of nanoparticles but it starts decreasing after 2% concentration.