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Abstract

Polymer Science: Peer Review Journal

Influence of ZnO Nanoparticle Doped Polymer Electrolyte Gel Membranes for H+ Ion Conduction Based Electrochemical Clean Energy Applications

Submission: August 01, 2022;Published: August 26, 2022

Volume4 Issue2
August , 2022

Abstract

Proton conducting Nanocomposite Polymer Electrolyte (NCPE) gel membranes based on polyvinyl alcohol-ammonium acetate (PVA-NH4CH3COO) and different contents of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO) have been prepared using the solution cast method. SEM image of pure ZnO nanoparticles proves the nanomatric dimension. The OM and XRD analysis revealed that the gel membrane with 0.6wt% ZnO doped NCPE has a high amorphous content and heterogeneous distribution of the constituents. FTIR studies confirmed the complexation between PVA, NH4CH3COO and ZnO. The DSC studies prove better thermal behavior upon addition of ZnO nanofiller. Impedance analysis shows that sample with 0.6wt% ZnO nanoparticles has a smaller bulk resistance compared to that of undoped polymer electrolyte. A small amount of ZnO nanoparticles was found to enhance the proton-conduction significantly with two typical maximas; the highest obtainable room-temperature ionic conductivity was 1.22x10-3Scm-1. Cyclic Voltametry studies reveal that the ionic conductivity is due to the H+ ion (proton) and their mobility. The highest electrochemical window was recorded at 0.6wt% doped NCPE gel membrane; viz. +5.56V. The availability of H+ ion (proton) in the system is suitable for the development of eco-friendly rechargeable batteries and fuel cells application.

Keywords:XRD; DSC; Impedance spectroscopy; Nanocomposite polymer electrolytes; H+ ion-conduction; Cyclic voltammetry

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