Ion transport studies on Al–Zn ferrite dispersed nano-composite polymer electrolyte

A ferrite dispersed PEO based nano-composite polymer electrolyte has been developed in the present work. Formation of nano-composites, change in the structural and microscopic properties of the system have been investigated by X-ray diffraction, optical microscopy and SEM imaging. Existence of spinodal decomposition structure indicates formation of nano sized composite polymer electrolyte. Increase in formation of crystalline domain has been evidenced in thermal studies upon dispersal of nano-sized filler particles in pristine electrolyte matrix. The ionic transport studies through impedance spectroscopy exhibit highest electrical conductivity for the composition [93PEO-7NH₄SCN]:2 wt% Al–Zn ferrite, viz. is 1.22 × 10⁻⁴ S/cm at room temperature with ionic transference number in excess of 0.9. Arrhenius type thermally activated conduction process is reflected during temperature dependent conductivity studies on these electrolytes.