A novel polymer electrolyte based on oligo(ethylene glycol) 600, K2PdCl4, and K3Fe(CN)6

Abstract

New electrolytic systems were prepared by reacting K3Fe(CN)6 and K2PdCl4 in a mixture of water and poly(ethylene glycol) 600 (PEG). The reaction occurs in two steps: first a gel is formed, which then shrinks, releasing the solvent. The product thus obtained has the consistency of a smooth, solid plastic paste and is very stable. The influence of the reaction mixture on the structure, morphology, and conductivity of the products was investigated carrying out three preparations (I, II, III) at increasing ratio PEG 600/H2O. By FT-IR studies and analytical data it was concluded that these materials are inorganic-organic networks containing CN bridges between Fe and Pd atoms and PEG 600 bridges between Pd atoms. Scanning electron microscopy studies revealed that the morphology of polymers I, II, and III is significantly influenced by the conditions of the synthesis. Conductivity measurements made at different temperatures showed that polymers I, II, and III conduct ionically. The conductivity of polymer I, which was synthesized with the highest water/PEG 600 ratio, is on the order of 1.4 · 10−3 Sycm at 25 °C.