Comprehensive study of Cu2⁺-ion conducting PVA/PVP/glycerin-based gel polymer electrolytes: structural, electrical, dielectric, and optical properties
摘要
This study investigates the impact of copper sulfate (CuSO4) doping and glycerin plasticization on the structural, electrical, dielectric, and optical properties of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP), and glycerin gel polymer electrolytes (GPEs). The GPEs were prepared using a solution casting method with varying CuSO4 concentrations (5 and 10 wt.%). X-ray diffraction analysis revealed the semi-crystalline nature of the polymer blend and also confirmed the presence of CuSO4. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed the miscibility of PVA, PVP, and glycerin through interchain hydrogen bonding and indicated the successful incorporation of Cu2+ ions into the polymer blend matrix. The PVA/PVP/glycerin blend containing 10 wt.% CuSO4 exhibited the highest ionic conductivity of 3.76×10–4 S/cm at 30 °C. Optical bandgap analysis revealed that increasing the CuSO4 content reduced the bandgap, suggesting improved compatibility and stronger chemical interactions within the polymer blend. The addition of glycerin and CuSO4 to the PVA/PVP blend resulted in enhanced thermal stability compared to the pure PVA/PVP blend, as evidenced by differential thermal analysis measurements. These findings highlight the potential of CuSO4-doped PVA/PVP/glycerin gel polymer electrolytes for rechargeable batteries.