Structural, optical and electrical properties of anhydrous GdCl3 doped PEO polymer electrolyte films

Abstract

GdCl3 doped PEO polymer electrolyte films were prepared using solution casting technique. XRD patterns, FTIR spectra and optical absorption studies confirm an amorphous nature and the formation of the polymer electrolyte films. The ionic conductivity increases with the GdCl3 content and the maximum value at room temperature is about 1.8310-2 S/cm for 20 mol% GdCl3doped PEO film. This value is more than two orders of magnitude larger than the ionic conductivity of NASICON type Gd-doped solid electrolytes and other polymer electrolytes. The results suggest that the Gd3+ doped PEO polymer electrolyte films are good candidates for future electrochemical devices.