Preparation and characterisation of electrolyte filled solid poly (vinylidene difluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) polymer TiO₂ membranes for battery application

ABSTRACT

As a prospective electrolyte for potassium-ion batteries, porous polymer electrolytic membranes were prepared based on poly (vinylidene difluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF-co-HFP) by a solution cast method. The casting solution, effects of the solvent, non-solvent and addition of nanoscale TiO2 particles were investigated in this study. The membranes were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) results in the surface morphology and porous nature of the fabricated membrane. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis gives the crystalline phase of the TiO2 doped membrane. The FTIR confirms the different functional groups present in PVDF-co-HFP films. Electrochemical stability of the prepared PVDF-co-HFP-TiO2 was performed by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The charge and discharge tests were conducted using the cyclic voltammetric analysis in this study. The addition of TiO2 particles to the polymer electrolyte was found to reduce the porousness of the PVDF-co-HFP membrane and to enhance the electrolyte uptake, ion conductivity and electrolyte/electrode interfacial stability of the membrane.

Graphical abstract: schematic diagram of preparation and application of the PVDF-HFP-TiO₂ (KCl) membrane

KEYWORDS:

• PVDF-co-hfp
• ionic conductivity
• cyclic voltammeter
• tio₂ nanoparticles
• polymer membrane

Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest

No.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

N. Ramaiah

Mr. N. Ramaiah pursued M.Sc. in Physics from Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupati, India, is presently studying as a research scholar in the Department of Physics, Vikrama Simhapuri University PG Centre, Kavali 524201, India.

V. Raja

Dr. V. Raja pursued PhD in Physics from Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupati, India, is presently working as Associate Professor and Head, Department of Physics, NBKR Science and Arts College, India. He has published more than 25 research papers in reputed international journals including Thomson Reuters (SCI & Web of Science) and conferences including IEEE and it’s also available online.

Ch. Ramu

Dr. Ch. Ramu pursued PhD in Physics from Sri Venkteswara University,Tirupati, India, is presently working as a Professor in the Department of Physics, Vikrama Simhapuri University PG Centre, Kavali, 524201, India. He has published more than 35 research papers in reputed international journals including Thomson Reuters (SCI & Web of Science) and conferences including IEEE and it’s also available online.