Ion conduction property and electrochemical characteristics of Ag-ion gel polymer electrolyte

Abstract

Ag-ion gel polymer electrolyte (GPE) based on Poly (vinyl Alcohol) and Silver tetrafluoroborate (AgBF4) was prepared using solution casting technique. The prepared GPE was characterised using XRD and FTIR techniques to determine its complex formation. The optical characteristic of the synthesised membrane was analysed through UV–Vis spectroscopy. The Ag-ion conductivity of the synthesised membrane was further analysed by AC impedance, and its dielectric property was studied using impedance data. Results of the AC impedance analysis show an ionic conductivity of up to 1.28 × 10-5Scm-1. The electrochemical characteristics of Ag-ion GPE were analysed, exhibiting an electrochemical working voltage of up to 1.1 V. On this basis, the oxidation–reduction reaction of the membrane was studied by fabricating a cell (Ag//Ag-ion GPE//Zn) using the synthesised membrane as electrolyte. This study confirms the electrochemical behaviour of the electrolyte. Galvanostatic charge–discharge studies were conducted, and the results indicate that the charging and discharging process in the cell occurred successfully.