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This article investigates the influence of NaPF6 salt content (0–30 wt.% in a varying interval of 5 wt.%) on the structural, electrical, and biodegradable properties of HEC/NaPF6 solid biopolymer electrolyte (SBE) films. The interaction of salt with the HEC polymer matrix is confirmed by FTIR and SEM studies. The elemental composition and mapping confirm the appearance of NaPF6 moieties in the HEC polymer matrix. XRD deconvolution reveals that HEC samples with 20 wt.% (H4) and 10 wt.% of salt (H2) have a significantly lower crystallinity index than pure HEC polymer. The H2 and H4 samples show the highest room temperature conductivity values (1.62 × 10−5 and 1.13 × 10−5 S cm−1, respectively) among all other prepared samples since carrier concentration influences the ionic conductivity and shares a similar order of conductivity. Thus, the H2 and H4 samples are employed as electrolyte separators in the sodium ion battery, and the results suggest that the H2‐based electrolyte system is more significant. Battery matrices like open circuit voltage (V), current density (μA cm−2), power density (mW kg−1), energy density (Wh kg−1) and discharge capacity (μA h−1) were calculated and found to be 2.48, 5.49, 44.60, 1.69, and 71.05, respectively for H2 electrolyte based cell. Wagner polarization reveals that H2 and H4 constitute the predominant charge carriers (ions) with total ion transference numbers of ⁓0.98 and ⁓0.99, respectively. To evaluate sample degradability, H2 and H4 samples were subjected to 20 and 5‐day biodegradation processes, during which the polymers completely (100%) broke down. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focuses on an in-depth analysis of the relaxation phenomenon of sodium iodide (NaI)-complexed solid polymer electrolyte membranes based on sodium alginate (NaAlg) and poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) using various formalisms to test the suitability of these membranes for electrochemical device applications. The incorporation of NaI led to an increase in the ionic conductivity from (6.12 ± 0.14) × 10−8 Scm−1 (PNI0, pure blend) to (4.27 ± 0.09) × 10−6 (PNI10, 10 wt% of NaI). Deep insights into ion transport parameters at ambient and high temperatures, obtained from Nyquist plot fitting revealed the dependency of dc conductivity on carrier concentration (n) rather than mobility (μ) and diffusion coefficient (D). Scaling studies based on AC conductivity and tangent loss revealed the collapse of conductivity and tangent loss plots into a single master curve, implying that the optimum sample obeys time-temperature superposition principle (TTSP). The temperature dependence of the Jonscher's exponent indicates that the conduction mechanism can be effectively represented by the Quantum Mechanical Tunneling model (QMT). The non-Debye behavior exhibited by the samples can be elucidated through the electric modulus formalism and confirmed dielectric properties of the electrolytes, as demonstrated by the incomplete semicircular arcs observed in the Argand plots. Moreover, the prepared samples were completely biodegradable, indicating the eco-friendly nature of the electrolytes. [Display omitted] • SPE based on NaAlg-PVA complexed with NaI was developed. • Ion dynamics were systematically evaluated using various formalisms. • Jonscher's exponent suggests conduction via Quantum Mechanical Tunneling (QMT). • Scaling studies indicate a collapsed master curve, suggesting adherence to TTSP. • At ambient and high temperatures, n control SPE conductivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this present work, we have synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using the chemical reduction method and systematically studied the effect of AgNPs of different loading into polyvinyl alcohol/sodium bromide (PVA/NaBr) polymer electrolytes. X‐ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed the variation in the crystallinity and complexation with AgNPs loading, respectively. AgNPs are uniformly distributed in the polymer matrix as depicted in FESEM. According to transport property studies, it is observed that carrier concentration has a strong influence on ionic conductivity. Additionally, I‐t studies showed that most charge carriers are ions and not electrons. The sample PVA/NaBr with AgNPs, prepared from 6 mM AgNO3 solution (PNAg6) with ionic conductivity 1.22 × 10−4 S cm−1 (one order increase with respect to undoped sample) and highest electrochemical stability window (ESW) of 2.86 V, can be chosen as a suitable candidate for energy storage device applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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]

This study explores the structural and electrical properties of sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (NaCMC)–pectin (PC)–glycerol–NH 4 Br electrolyte films and investigates their potential applications in proton batteries. Plasticized solid polymer electrolyte (SPEs) films were fabricated using the solution casting method. The interaction between the salt and polymer blends was verified using Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) analysis. Incorporation of various salt concentrations (up to 25 wt%) was found to enhance the amorphous phase of the polymer blend, as evidenced by X-ray diffraction (XRD) results. Additionally, the decrease in the glass transition temperature, as confirmed by DSC analysis, indicates that the inclusion of both plasticizer and salt contributed to this effect. An electrolyte with 25% wt. of NH 4 Br has the highest room temperature conductivity of 4.68 × 10−4 S cm−1. This electrolyte was employed to fabricate the proton battery for energy storage application. [Display omitted] • Plasticized PC/NaCMC-NH 4 Br has been successfully synthesized. • Plasticized PC/NaCMC-NH 4 Br SPE shows ionic conductivity of 4.68 × 10-4 (S cm-1) along with an LSV up to 2.4 V. • The plasticized PC/NaCMC-NH 4 Br sample with the highest conductivity exhibits a low crystallinity index (χ %) of 11.98. • Transport properties through Nyquist plot fitting aligned with ionic conductivity trend. • The proton battery with 25 wt% of salt concentration demonstrates an OCV of 1.2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Blended biopolymer CS:MC impregnated with Mg2+ carrier is successfully prepared. • Adding MgCl 2 to CS:MC has improved its overall physiochemical characteristics. • The Mg2+ ions contribute to the enhancement of ionic conductivity (∼10−3 Scm−1). • Transport property study was done by applying Trukhan model. Solid polymer blend electrolyte films composed of 70 wt.% of chitosan (CS) and 30 wt.% of methylcellulose (MC) were prepared with different weight percentages of MgCl 2 by solution casting method. FTIR analysis demonstrated the interactions between blend and MgCl 2 , XRD study revealed the amorphous nature of the films. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was carried out to study the thermal stability. Electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) study showed that the bulk resistance decreased with increasing salt concentration and is due to the influence of carrier concentration. From EIS measurement, the highest value of DC conductivity at ambient temperature (30 °C) was found to be 2.75 × 10−3 Scm−1 for the sample containing 30 wt.% of MgCl 2. The voltage stability window of the highest conducting film was found to be 3.86 V. The total ionic transference number was found to be 0.98. Finally, the highest conducting polymer electrolyte was employed to construct a primary magnesium ion battery. Note: Graphical abstract created with biorender.com. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Yttrium oxide (Y 2 O 3), zirconium dioxide (ZrO 2) and Y 2 O 3 stabilized ZrO 2 (YSZ) were prepared. • The structural, electrical, morphological, thermal and positron properties were studied. • The positron trapping rate increased for ZrO 2 /PVA polymer ceramic composite (PCC). • The carrier concentration (n) , mobility (μ) , and diffusion coefficient (D) have been calculated. • Ionic conductivity of 2.77 × 10−7 s cm−1 was recorded for ZrO 2 /PVA sample. This article presents a comparative analysis of three distinct zirconia-inserted polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) polymer matrices. X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and atomic force microscopy (AFM) were used for the study of structural, chemical composition (functional groups), and morphological properties. Changes in IR bands revealed the interaction of nanofillers with the PVA matrix. ZrO 2 added sample shows the lowest degree of crystallinity with the least free volume compared to pristine PVA. Threadlike chains and scattershot crystal morphologies were seen in AFM images, and the PVA/ZrO 2 has the lowest level of roughness (1.27 nm). Positron annihilation lifetime profile showed identical behavior for τ 3 , τ 2 , and their intensities I 3 , I 2. ZrO 2 nanoparticles had a better interfacial interaction with the PVA matrix, which resulted in a higher T g and shorter o-Ps lifetime (τ 3). The positron trapping rate increased for ZrO 2 /PVA polymer ceramic composite (PCC), which indicated that both volume expansion and vacancy trapping effects occur when the positrons are effectively trapped at vacancies. The Nyquist plot for dielectric measurement was investigated, and an equivalent circuit model was used to evaluate variables such as carrier concentration (n) , mobility (μ) , and diffusion coefficient/ diffusivity (D). Ionic conductivity of 2.77 × 10−7 S cm−1 was recorded for the ZrO 2 /PVA sample. This might be due to a change (increase) in the carrier concentration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of Mg (NO 3) 2. 6H 2 O salt on an eco-friendly biopolymer blend matrix comprising hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) and poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) is presented in this work which is prepared using the solution casting method. Structural, chemical composition (functional moieties), morphological, and thermal features were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). FTIR spectrum and XRD pattern confirmed that the magnesium nitrate salt was dissolved, and complexation was observed through a coordination bond and a hydrogen bond with -OH and -CH groups in the host polymer blend. The glass transition temperature (T g) values of HPMC:PVA composites are greater than those of the pure blend, demonstrating transient cross-linking. For P0, P2, and P3 samples, the pore diameter and % porosity is calculated, and the morphology of the P4 sample is non-porous and shows ionic conductivity of P4 = 3.25 × 10−4 S/cm at 27 °C. Based on the Nyquist plot fitting and FTIR deconvolution methods, it is used to determine the transport characteristics and noticed that the carrier concentration affects the ionic conductivity. The highest conducting electrolyte has been integrated into a primary battery to demonstrate its potential use in energy storage systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]