CONDUCTIVITY STUDIES OF BIOPOLYMER ELECTROLYTE BASED ON POTATO STARCH/CHITOSAN BLEND DOPED WITH LICF3SO3

Abstract

Biopolymer electrolytes are currently attracting a great deal of attention as substitute for synthetic polymers in electrochemical devices, as they are cost effective and eco-friendly. In this research, the biopolymer potato starch/chitosan blend polymer electrolyte film doped with LiCF3SO3 was prepared by solution casting method. Sample with 35wt. % LiCF3SO3 showed the highest ionic conductivity at room temperature. The dielectric studies reveal the non-Debye nature of the electrolyte. The Rice and Roth model was used quantitatively to explain the conductivity trends of the prepared electrolyte systems. The complexation of salt with the polymer host was studied using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy.