Effect of the LLTO nanoparticles on the conducting properties of PEO-based solid electrolyte

The influence of LLTO (Li_0.33La_0.56TiO₃) nanoparticles on the conducting properties of PEO (polyethylene oxide)₈-LiClO₄ polymer-salt complex electrolyte still remains not fully understood. This paper aims to establish the role of LLTO filler concentration, its morphology, agglomeration and charge nanoparticles surface on the ionic transport of (PEO)₈-LiClO₄-based solid electrolytes. Four samples of (PEO)₈-LiClO₄- LLTO composites, with 0, 5, 10 and 15 wt% of LLTO filler, were prepared. Several techniques were used to verify the obtainment of the required samples and to find out how the LLTO filler can modify the conductivity of the (PEO)₈-LiClO₄ polymer-salt complex electrolyte. The obtained results suggest that the transport of Li ions in these nanocomposites occurs predominantly through the polymeric phase, not by the conducting LLTO ceramic employed as filler. The highest conductivity value (10⁻³ S/cm at 338 K) is reached for 10 wt % of LLTO filler in the composite, where the polymeric phase is completely amorphous.