Influence of ZrO2 filler on physico-chemical properties of PVA/NaClO4 polymer composite electrolytes

The ZrO2-filled PVA/NaClO4 polymer nanocomposite is a freestanding electrolyte film and is prepared using the solution casting method in an aqueous medium. These prepared samples were characterized for structural, morphological, optical, thermal, and electrical properties. FT Raman studies confirmed the interaction between PVA and NaClO4, and dispersion of ZrO2 fillers in the PVA/NaClO4 polymer electrolyte. The surface roughness was observed from AFM images. Fitting the values of UV absorption to Tauc’s equation, the optical energy band gaps have been evaluated and correlated to the electrical conductivity. The maximum electrical conductivity of 4.3 × 10−3 (± 0.0002) S/cm was obtained for 3 wt% ZrO2-filled PVA/NaClO4 polymer nanocomposite. The thermal degradation kinetic parameter was calculated by fitting thermo gravimetric analysis values in Broid’s model.