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Improvements in ion transport property of polyethylene-oxide- (PEO-) based polymer electrolytes have been investigated, using different types of plasticizers. The effects of single and coupled plasticizers [i.e., EC, (EC + PC), and (EC + PEG)] on structural and electrical behavior of pristine electrolyte were studied by XRD, SEM technique, and impedance spectroscopy. The electrical conductivity of the best plasticized system was found to be 4 × 10−6 S/cm. Argand plots show dispersive nature of relaxation time or inhomogeneous space charge polarization of plasticized polymer electrolyte.

ABSTRACT

Development and characterisation of polyethylene oxide (PEO)-based nanocomposite polymer electrolytes comprising of (PEO-SiO 2 ): NH 4 SCN is reported. For synthesis of the said electrolyte, polyethylene oxide has been taken as polymer host and NH 4 SCN as an ionic charge supplier. Sol-gel-derived silica powder of nano dimension has been used as ceramic filler for development of nanocomposite electrolytes. The maximum conductivity of electrolyte ∼2.0 × 10 −6 S/cm is observed for samples containing 30 wt.% silica. The temperature dependence of conductivity seems to follow an Arrhenius-type, thermally activated process over a limited temperature range.

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Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and electron probe micro-analyzer (EPMA) techniques have been used to detect the silicon bioavailability in the exocarp of warty cucumber surface. Warts appear at the time of anthesis and are remnant part of spines/trichomes which on further fruit maturation abscised from the exocarp. Results of EPMA and phytolith analysis clearly revealed that the surface of exocarp (fruit) of Cucumis sativus Linn. containing warts has greater quantity of silicon as compared to the other part of the fruit. Besides silicon, some other elements were also found, on the fruit exocarp and its surrounding area. The other elements are magnesium (Mg), aluminum (Al), phosphorus (P), sulfur (S), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), iron (Fe), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), and sodium. The percentage of silica is highest followed by Ni, Ca, Al, P, Mg, Fe, S, Cu, K, and Cl. Thus, this study clearly demonstrates that Cucumis sativus Linn. fruits which are used as salads and appetizers on daily basis are loaded with silicon and other useful elements and possess numerous health benefits.

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