Electrical transport and crystallization in Cu + ion substituted AgI–Ag 2O–V 2O 5 glassy superionic system

Abstract

A new glassy solid electrolyte system Cu x Ag 1 − x I–Ag 2O–V 2O 5 has been synthesized. The structural, thermal and electrical properties of the samples have been investigated. The glassy nature of the samples is confirmed by X-Ray diffraction and Differential Scanning Calorimetry studies. The electrical conductivity of these samples increases with CuI content and approaches a maximum value of ∼ 10 − 2 Ω − 1 cm − 1 for x = 0.35 at room temperature. Ionic mobility measurements suggest that enhancement in the conductivity with Cu + ion substitution may be attributed to increase in the mobility of Ag + ions. The electrical conductivity versus temperature cycles carried out at well-controlled heating rate above T g and T c reveal interesting thermal properties. For lower CuI content samples conductivity exhibits anomalous rise above T g and subsequent fall at T c. It is also found that CuI addition into AgI–Ag 2O–V 2O 5 matrix reduces the extent of crystallization.