Observation of ionic conductivity on PUA-TBAI-I₂ gel polymer electrolyte

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Polymer Science

Background:

• Development of advanced gel polymer electrolytes is crucial for energy storage devices.
• Jatropha oil offers a sustainable and renewable resource for material synthesis.
• Tetrabutylammonium iodide (TBAI) is a common electrolyte salt.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize Jatropha oil-based polyurethane acrylate gel polymer electrolytes.
• To investigate the effect of TBAI concentration on ionic conductivity and dielectric properties.
• To determine the optimal composition for enhanced electrochemical performance.

Main Methods:

• Preparation of gel polymer electrolytes with varying TBAI concentrations.
• Temperature-dependent measurements of ionic conductivity and dielectric modulus (298–393 K).
• Analysis of Nyquist plots to determine charge carrier properties (number density, mobility, diffusion coefficient).
• Evaluation of charge properties using dielectric permittivity, modulus, and dissipation factor.

Main Results:

• The highest ionic conductivity of 1.88 × 10^-4 S cm^-1 at 298 K was achieved with 30 wt% TBAI and 2.06 wt% I₂.
• Conductivity-temperature dependence followed the Vogel-Tammann Fulcher equation.
• The 30 wt% TBAI composition exhibited the lowest activation energy (6.947 kJ mol^-1).
• Charge carrier properties, dielectric parameters, stoke drag, and capacitance were determined.

Conclusions:

• Jatropha oil-based polyurethane acrylate gel polymer electrolytes doped with TBAI show promising ionic conductivity.
• Optimal TBAI concentration enhances charge carrier mobility and reduces activation energy.
• The developed electrolytes are suitable for further investigation in electrochemical energy storage applications.