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This study investigates the unprecedented impact of fast neutron irradiation on the structural, electrical, and morphological properties of solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs). The SPE, a poly (vinylalcohol) (PVA)-sodium bromide (NaBr) based matrix with the incorporation of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), was prepared via a solution casting method and subjected to various time intervals of fast neutron irradiation. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed a distinct trend in the polymer electrolyte sample's amorphous phase, with decreased levels at lower neutron fluence and augmented levels at higher fluences. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy highlighted plausible interactions leading to chain scission and cross-linking. Optical investgations below 300 nm exhibited increased absorbance and a shifted position of the surface plasmon resonance peak correlated with AgNPs. Validation of structural changes in the Ag-incorporated PVA-NaBr system was supported by reduced bandgap and elevation in Urbach energy, corroborating FTIR findings. Enhanced thermal stability was confirmed using thermogravimetric (TGA) analysis. Morphological modification upon irradiation were evident via Field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM). Transport properties evaluated by Nyquist plot fitting showcased escalating room temperature conductivity with neutron fluence, and the highest conductivity obtained was 4.38 × 10−3 S/cm, an order higher than the pristine sample. Transference number measurements (TNM) indicated that the primary charge carriers are ions rather than electrons. This novel approach confirms that neutron irradiation can be used as a potential way to obtain highly conductive polymer electrolyte films. • Ag NPs incorporated PVA-NaBr polymer based solid electrolyte is fabricated. • The impact of fast neutron irradiation on the prepared samples is investigated. • The fast neutron-irradiated film has exhibited increased ionic conductivity, which is higher than the pristine sample. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• NaNO 3 complexed NaAlg-PVA blend SPE was successfully prepared. • The inclusion of salt improved the overall properties of the SPE. • Ion dynamics were systematically evaluated using various formalisms. • The lowest degree of crystallinity resulted in the highest conductivity for SPE. • At high temperatures, n and µ control SPE conductivity. This work examines the impact of NaNO 3 salt on a NaAlg: PVA blend polymer, focusing on charge carrier properties, such as number density (n), mobility (μ), and diffusion coefficient (D). It is found that the addition of NaNO 3 increased the room temperature conductivity from (6.12±0.15) × 10−8 S cm−1 (PNN0, salt-free) to (6.50±0.03) × 10−6 S cm−1 (PNN15, 15 wt.% NaNO 3), influenced by increasing n compared to µ. Temperature-dependent conductivity revealed a significant influence of both n and μ on electrolyte conductivity, and the ion dynamics were explored using various formalisms. XRD studies showed reduced crystallinity owing to the interaction of Na+ and NO 3 − with -OH groups, as confirmed by IR spectroscopy. Scanning electron microscopy confirmed salt deposits at higher concentrations. However, sufficient mechanical strength was observed for the optimally conducting sample. Obtained results showed the potential applications of the sample in electrochemical devices. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]