Effect of NiO Nanofiller on P(VdC-Co-AN) With PEG Polymer Blend Electrolyte for Energy Storage Applications

Solid-state polymer electrolytes with safety and high energy density are promising novel options for energy storage devices. Nevertheless, the low ionic conductivity and limited mobility of lithium ions at room temperature have significantly impeded their practical application. A flexible composite polymer electrolyte was fabricated using a solution casting method. This electrolyte consisted of a polymer blend of poly (vinylidene chloride-co-acrylonitrile) (PVdC-co-AN) and polyethylene glycol (PEG), incorporated with lithium perchlorate (LiClO₄) as salt, propylene carbonate (PC) as plasticizer, and nickel oxide (NiO) nanoparticles as filler. The electrolyte is prepared by the various concentrations of NiO nanoparticles (Nps) (0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 wt.%). The prepared NiO is confirmed by the XRD analysis, and the incorporation of NiO in the polymer blend also determined. The polymer salt plasticizer and filler interactions are confirmed by the FTIR analysis. At room temperature, the sample containing 15% of NiO has a high ionic conductivity value of up to 10⁻³ S cm⁻¹. The electrochemical and also thermal stability of this electrolyte is achieved at 4.8 V and 312°C. The mechanical stability is enhanced up to 29 MPa. The remarkable performance enhancement is attributed to the incorporation of NiO, which facilitated improved ionic conductivity, mechanical properties, and compatibility for energy storage applications.