Ionic conduction in 70 MeV C5+ ion-irradiated P(VDF–HFP)–(PC + DEC)–LiCF3SO3 gel polymer electrolyte system

Swift heavy ion irradiation effects on ionic conduction in the P(VDF–HFP)–(PC + DEC)–LiCF3SO3 gel polymer electrolyte system have been investigated. Polymer gel electrolytes films were irradiated with 70 MeV C5+ ions with seven different fluences in the range of 1010–1012 ions/cm2. Irradiation of the polymer gel electrolyte films with swift heavy ions shows enhancement in conductivity at lower fluences (≤ 1011 ions/cm2) and decrease in conductivity at higher fluences. XRD results show decreased crystallinity below and increased crystallinity above the threshold fluence after ion irradiation. It appears that below the critical fluence, swift heavy ion irradiation increases Li+ ion diffusivity in the polymer electrolyte. FTIR spectra suggest chain scission at low fluence and cross linking at higher fluence. Scanning electron micrographs exhibit increased porosity of the polymer electrolyte after ion irradiation.