The effect of ti02 nanoparticles on properties of carboxymethyl celulose-lithium perchlorate solid biopolymer electrolyte / Nabilah Hani Norihan

Biopolymer is a promising green alternative to replace petroleum-based synthetic
polymer in solid biopolymer electrolyte (SBE). However, the low ionic
conductivity may limit the future applications. In this study, combination of
carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) as host matrix and lithium perchlorate (LiCIO4 )
SBE have been fabricated with addition of TiO2 nanoparticles and the effect on
chemical, electrical, thermal and mechanical properties were investigated. Various
concentration of LiCI04 (5, 10, 15,20,25,30 and 35 wt%) and TiO2 (1, 2, 3 and
4 wt%) was prepared by solvent casting method. The samples were characterized
by Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier
Transfer Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Electrical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS),
Universal Testing and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). Incorporation of 35
wt% LiCIO4 shows the highest conductivity with a value of 5.13 x 10-6 Scm-l.
Upon the addition of 3 wt% TiO2 the ionic conductivity increased to 1.162 x 10-5
S cm-l. DSC and XRD studies show that the addition nanoparticles reduce the
crystallinity of SBE which improve the ion mobility and thus cause the increment
of ionic conductivity. Nevertheless, the addition of nanoparticles had different
effect on the mechanical properties of SBE; they reduce the percent elongation at
break but improve the tensile strength. The FTIR spectra shows the complexation
of Li+ with all electron donor atoms in CMC structure but nanoparticles only
interact with -0H groups that can be considered as Lewis acid-base interactions.
The morphology of the film by SEM showed the homogenous dispersion of
nanoparticles in the SBE matrix.