Electrical conductivity of pectin-based biopolymer electrolytes: search for a theoretical framework

This paper reports the successful fabrications of polymer electrolytes using biopolymer pectin in conjunction with ammonium azide (NaN₃) salt by solution casting method. The ionic conductivity of these electrolytes was evaluated using EIS at room temperature. Among the compositions tested, the highest conductivity of 2.3 × 10⁻³ S cm⁻¹ was observed to sample of 5 wt.% of NaN₃. The charge carriers' concentration (n) and mobility (µ) were calculated to understand the conductivity behavior attributed to dispersoids. For the calculation of n and μ, two theoretical models were used, namely the Trukhan and the S&G Model. The correlations between conductivity, n and μ are discussed.