Effect of doping nano samarium(III) oxide in PVA+Na3C6H5O7 films for battery applications

The effect of doping nano Sm2O3 particles in PVA + Na3C6H5O7 (90:10% w/w) polymer composite films on the structural, thermal, electrical properties and battery parameters are investigated. The PVA + Na3C6H5O7 + nano Sm2O3 (90:10:1-4% w/w) films were synthesized and characterized. A 2% w/w Sm2O3 film was relatively homogeneous with high amorphous in nature enabled the movement of nanoparticles in the matrix of polymer under potential gradient. The maximum conductivity was 2.09 × 10-3 S cm-1 for 2% w/w nano Sm2O3 film and it is 7 orders more than polyvinyl alcohol. The films were adopted in batteries with configuration: Anode (Mg+MgSO4) /[PVA:Na3C6H5O7 (90:10% w/w) + nano Sm2O3 (1-4% w/w)]/cathode (iodine + carbon + pieces of electrolyte) and battery parameters were assessed. The discharge time is 174 h with the cell having 2.0% w/w nano Sm2O3 film. These nano Sm2O3 doped films are successfully adopted in the fabrication of batteries and also the proposed cells are simple, effective, eco-friendly and economical. © 2020 Chemical Publishing Co.. All rights reserved.