Zeolitic inorganic-organic polymer electrolytes: A material based on poly(ethylene glycol) 600, SnCl4 and K4Fe(CN)(6)

This report describes the synthesis of a new zeolitic inorganic-organic pol ymer electrolyte with the formula [FexSny(CN)(z)Cl-v(C2nH4n+2On+1)K-1] base d on poly(ethylene glycol) 600, SnCl4 and K-4[Fe(CN)(6)], and is obtained v ia a sol-->gel transition. Mid and far Fourie than form infrared (FT-IX) st udies, analytical data and X-ray Photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) investiga tions allowed us to conclude that this material is a mixed inorganic-organi c network in which Fr and Sn are bonded by CN bridges and tin atoms by PEG 600 bridges. Mid-infrared (MIR) FT-IR investigations demonstrated that the polyether chains assume a conformation of the TGT (T = trans, G = gauche) t ype. Micrographs of the compound obtained by scanning electron microscopy reveal that ifs morphology resembles a smooth gummy paste. The conductivity of th e material at different temperatures was determined by impedance spectrosco py (IS). Results indicated that the material conducts ionically and that it s conductivity is strongly influenced by segmental motion of the polymer ne twork Finally, this network shows a conductivity of ca. 3.7 x 10(-5) S/cm a t 25 degrees C. Copyright (C) 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.