Investigation on the effect of nanosilica towards corn starch–lithium perchlorate-based polymer electrolytes

Abstract

Biodegradable corn starch–lithium perchlorate (LiClO4)-based solid polymer electrolytes with addition of nano-sized fumed silica (SiO2) were prepared by solution casting technique. Ionic conductivity at ambient temperature was measured by AC impedance spectroscopy. Upon addition of nano-sized SiO2, the ionic conductivity at room temperature is increased. The optimum ionic conductivity value obtained was 1.23 × 10−4 S cm−1 at 4 wt% SiO2. This may be attributed to the low crystallinity of the polymer electrolytes resulting from the dispersed nanosilica particles. Fourier–transform infrared spectroscopy studies confirmed the complexation between corn starch, lithium perchlorate, and silica. The thermal properties of the prepared samples were investigated with differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis. The surface morphology of the polymer electrolytes confirmed the agglomeration of particles after excess dispersion of inorganic filler. This was proven in the scanning electron microscopy studies.