Ionic liquid assisted modification in ionic conductivity, phase transition temperature and crystallization kinetics behaviour of polymer poly(ethylene oxide)

The effects of the addition of ionic liquid (IL) in pristine poly(ethylene oxide), PEO and polymer electrolyte (PEO + 10 wt.% LiClO4) membranes on melting temperature (Tm), degree of crystallinity (Xc) and crystallization kinetics (by DSC using isothermal technique and growth of spherulites observed under polarizing optical microscope) are reported. The addition of IL amorphocises both PEO and PEO + LiClO4 membranes resulted in corresponding decrease in the degree of crystallinity, Tm, and crystallization rate. The effect was more evident as the IL content in the membrane was increased.