Preparation and Characterization of Nano-Dy2O3-Doped PVA + Na3C6H5O7 Polymer Electrolyte Films for Battery Applications

Abstract

Composite polymer electrolyte films containing various concentrations of nano-Dy2O3 (1.0 to 4.0%) in PVA + sodium citrate (90 : 10) are synthesized adopting solution cast method and are characterized using FTIR, XRD, SEM, and DSC techniques. The investigations indicate that all components are homogenously dispersed. Films containing 3% of nano-Dy2O3 are more homogenous and less crystalline, and the same is supported by DSC studies indicating the friendly nature to ionic conductivity. Transference number studies reveal that the major charge carriers are ions. With the increase in % of nano-Dy2O3, the conductivity increases and reaches maximum in 3% film with a value of 1.06 × 10−4 S/cm (at 303 K). Further, the conductivity of the film increases with raise in temperature due to the hopping of interchain and intrachain ion movements and fall in microscopic viscosity at the matrix interface of the film. Electrochemical cells are fabricated using these films with the configuration “anode (Mg + MgSO4)/[PVA (90%) + Na3C6H5O7 (10%) + (1–4% nano-Dy2O3)]/cathode (I2 + C + electrolyte),” and various discharge characteristics are evaluated. With 3% nano-Dy2O3 film, the maximum discharge time of 118 hrs with open-circuit voltage of 2.68 V, power density of 0.91 W/kg, and energy density of 107.5 Wh/kg are observed. These findings reflect the successful adoption of the developed polymer electrolyte films in electrochemical cells.