Exploring nanoscale composite polymer electrolytes: PVdC-co-AN/PEG with Co₃O₄ nanofiller for advanced energy storage applications

Solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) are emerging as a safer alternative to traditional liquid electrolytes in energy storage systems. However, their widespread application is limited by challenges such as low ionic conductivity at room temperature (RT) and poor interfacial stability. In this work, we...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: B Vijaya, Santhosh Nallakumar, Ravi Shanker Babu, Usha Rani M
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Elsevier 2025-09-01
Series:Results in Engineering
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Online Access:http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2590123025021243
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Summary:Solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) are emerging as a safer alternative to traditional liquid electrolytes in energy storage systems. However, their widespread application is limited by challenges such as low ionic conductivity at room temperature (RT) and poor interfacial stability. In this work, we incorporated spinel-structured cobalt oxide nanoparticles (Co₃O₄ NPs) as an inorganic nanofiller into a polymer matrix to address these issues. The incorporation of Co₃O₄ assist the formation of amorphous regions, enhancing polymer chains mobility, while also improving the thermal and mechanical stability of the electrolyte. Using a simple solution-casting technique, we optimized the filler content to minimize agglomeration and a continuous ion transport pathway. The polymer electrolyte containing 15 wt % Co₃O₄, combined with a blend of poly (vinylidene chloride-co-acrylonitrile) (PVdC-co-AN) and polyethylene glycol (PEG), achieved an ionic conductivity of 10⁻³ S cm⁻¹ at ambient temperature and maintained its electrochemical stability up to 4.92 V. Additionally, the electrolyte demonstrated excellent mechanical strength, thermal stability up to 413 °C, and transference number value at 0.83. These findings confirm the potential of this composite material as a reliable separator for energy storage applications, offering improved ionic conductivity, stability, and compatibility.
ISSN:2590-1230