Conductivity and discharge characteristics of (PVC + NaClO4) polymer electrolyte systems

A sodium ion conducting polymer electrolyte based on polyvinyl chloride (PVC) complexed with NaClO₄ was prepared using a solution-cast technique. Investigations were conducted using XRD, FTIR and SEM. Frequency dependent conductivity (σ_ac) values were obtained from complex impedance plots (Cole-Cole plots). Activation energy values were determined from the conductivity data are decreased with increasing ionic conductivity. The transference number measurement was performed to characterize the polymer electrolyte for battery applications. Transference number values show that the charge transport in this electrolyte is predominantly due to the ions (t_ion = 0.98). Using the electrolyte, cells with a configuration Na/(PVC + NaClO₄)/(I₂ + C + electrolyte) were fabricated and their discharge profiles studied.