Structural, thermal, and conductivity studies of high molecular weight poly(vinylchloride)-lithium triflate polymer electrolyte plasticized by dibutyl phthalate

Poly(vinylchloride) (PVC) is an insulator and acts as a host in polymer electrolyte systems where addition of inorganic salt lithium trifluoromethanesulfonate (LiCF₃SO₃) and dibutyl phthalate (DBP) converts the system to become conductor. The conductivity of polymer electrolytes is explained on the basis of ionic mobility. Thirty-five weight percent DBP plasticized polymer electrolyte has the highest conductivity value (3.30?×?10^?9 S cm^?1) at 303 K. Temperature dependence of the conductivity of polymer films obeys the Arrhenius rule. X-ray diffraction (XRD) proves that addition of DBP will increase the amorphous nature of the system and lead to enhancement in ionic conductivity. Complexation between high molecular weight PVC, LiCF₃SO₃, and DBP is confirmed by the shifting of peaks, decreasing of peaks intensity, and broadening of peaks in XRD. Thermogravimetric analysis reveals that addition of DBP to PVC–LiCF₃SO₃ system reduces the stability of the film. Subsequently, thermal stability decreases with the increase in DBP content in the polymer electrolytes.