Conductivity Studies of Poly(ethylene oxide)/Copper Sulfate Solid Solutions

Abstract

ABSTRACT ac and dc electrical conductivities of solid solutions of poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) and copper sulfate (CuSO4) had been obtained from dielectric measurements as a function of temperature, frequency of applied electric field, and content of salt between 2% and 12% of CuSO4 by weight of PEO. The behavior of the dielectric constant with temperature showed evidence that the observed dielectric response was due mainly to migration of ions. The dielectric response was analyzed in the frame of the complex electrical modulus, from which it was possible to estimate values of dc ionic conductivity from 3,81 × 10−7 S/m for a content of 2% of salt to 5,5 × 10−6 S/m for a content of salt of 12% at room temperature, indicating an increase of the electrical conductivity by increasing the content of CuSO4. The behavior of ionic conductivity with temperature was compatible with the free volume model through the Volmer, Tamman, and Fulcher empirical equation. These preliminary experimental results allowed the conclusion that an electrolyte polymer has been prepared with base in poly(ethylene oxide)/copper sulfate mixtures, with a higher ionic conductivity in the order of 5,5 × 10−6 S/m at room temperature.