Dielectric relaxation studies in soft — matter like nanocomposite polymer electrolyte PPG₄ — AgCF₃SO₃: MgO

Abstract

We have designed a new class of soft — matter like nanocomposite polymer electrolyte with the incorporation of MgO nanoparticles into poly (propylene glycol) (PPG) 4000 — AgCF₃SO₃ and examined the segmental dynamics and structural relaxation processes in detail by the impedance data as a function of frequency at various temperatures. The ionic conductivity value of 3 wt% MgO nanoparticles embedded composite revealed the maximum of 5.2 × 10⁻⁴ Scm⁻¹ at 298 K. The frequency — dependence of mobility and structural relaxations has been discussed in terms of real and imaginary parts of modulus and dielectric spectra which suggested the presence of two types of relaxation times appearing within the electrolyte: the low frequency side revealed the dispersion contributing the α-relaxation (dipole — segmental motion) and an almost plateau — like trend contributing β-relaxation that is visible at the high frequency end. The frequency response of the modulus plot showed an asymmetrical nature rather than the ideal Debye type of behaviour.