Effect of nano SiO2 on properties of structural, thermal and ionic conductivity of 85.32[NaNO3]–14.68[Sr(NO3)2] mixed system

Abstract

In the present study, different mole percent of SiO2 (~10–20 nm) was dispersed into 85.32[NaNO3]–14.68[Sr(NO3)2] mixed system. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) characterizations were carried out on present dispersed system. Alternate current (AC) and direct current (DC) conductivities, dielectric constant, loss, and impedance measurements have been studied in the frequency range from 1 Hz to 10 MHz and in the temperature range from 297 to 553 K. The XRD, FTIR, SEM, and DSC studies of SiO2 dispersed systems reveal the formation of amorphous phase. The frequency dependent ac conductivity follows Jonscher’s universal power law. Dimensionless frequency exponent (n) and dispersion parameter (A) are determined. The enhancement in dc conductivity is observed with the m/o of SiO2 in these electrolyte systems and attains maximum at 20.55 m/o, where from the enhancement starts falling with further increase in m/o, and this enhancement in conductivity is explained using the formation of amorphous phase of ionic salt.