Effect of LiCF₃SO₃ on L-Chitosan/PMMA Blend Polymer Electrolytes

Abstract

This paper focuses on the effect of lithium triflate (LiCF₃SO₃) on the structural and conduction properties of lauroyl (L)-chitosan/poly(metylmethacryalate) (PMMA)-based polymer electrolytes. Films of L-chitosan/PMMA blends and its complexes were prepared using a solution-casting technique. The ionic conductivity of the system was measured over a wide range of frequency between 50 Hz-1 MHz. Impedance plot for the samples demonstrates two well-defined regions. The disappearance of the high frequency semicircular region led to a conclusion that the current carriers are ions. Sample with 30 wt% of LiCF₃SO₃ showed the highest conductivity of 7.59 ± 3.64 × 10⁻⁴ Scm⁻¹ at room temperature. This is consistent with the results obtained from infrared spectroscopy.

Keywords:

• L-chitosan
• PMMA
• conductivity
• FTIR
• polymer electrolytes

Funding

This work was funded by Ministry of Education (MOE) Malaysia under vote USIM/FRGS-FST-06-50208 and USIM/FRGS-FST-32-51312.