Neodymium doped, sol-gel processed polymer electrolytes

Polymer films prepared by the sol-gel method and containing neodymium trifluoromethanesulphonate (triflate) have been characterized by thermal, X-ray diffraction and conductivity measurements. The films were produced in a laboratory atmosphere and subsequently subjected to an appropriate drying pre-treatment before storage and study within an argon-filled drybox. The results of these experiments confirm that the amorphous hybrid host matrix has characteristics which are significantly better than poly(ethylene oxide)-based materials.