Effect of X-ray Irradiation on Dielectric Properties of Polymer Electrolytes Complexed with LiCF3SO3

Solid polymer electrolytes of polyethylene oxide (PEO) embedded with LiCF3SO3 was prepared and subjected to X-ray irradiation of different dosages (1.5 to 6 Gy). Ionic conductivity and dielectric studies were made over a frequency range of 100 Hz to 490 KHz. A little increase in ionic conductivity was noted for the sample irradiated for 1.5 Gy and the equivalent circuit remained unaltered for irradiated samples. Remarkable increase in dielectric constant was found for the irradiated samples. It was found that irradiation improved the dissolution of lithium salt and increased the polymer/Lithium interaction and thus improved the polarizability of the electrolyte. The frequency of hopping and liberation of free lithium ions were found altered by irradiation and hence the given dosage was found to have an optimum value in concern with the ionic conductivity of the electrolyte.