Ionic structure and conductance behavior of plasticized polymeric electrolytes containing multivalent cations

Polymeric electrolytes consisting of oligo(ethylene oxide)-grafted poly(met hylmethacrylate), organic plasticizer and inorganic salts of multivalent ca tions (Mg2+, La3+, Ce3+ and Yb3+) have been prepared. Their behavior as sol id ion conductors has been examined. Thermal and X-ray analyses showed that the polymeric electrolytes were homogeneous and amorphous over a wide temp erature range. Ionic conductivities of 10(-4) and 10(-5) S cm(-1) were obta ined at room temperature for the polymeric films containing Mg(ClO4)(2) and Ce(ClO4)(3), respectively. The ionic conductivity depends critically on th e composition of the polymer electrolytes. The ionic coordination in the po lymeric electrolytes, as determined by Raman spectroscopy, is discussed in relation to the conductance behavior. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All ri ghts reserved.