Agarose biopolymer electrolytes: Ion conduction mechanism and dielectric studies

The paper describes the fabrication and characterization of biopolymer gel electrolyte films based on agarose. The gel electrolyte solution, comprising agarose, potassium iodide and ionic liquid (1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium dicyanamide), was dissolved in three different solvents, i.e. double distilled water (DI), dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and dimethylformamide (DMF). The electrical and dielectric properties, as well as the ion conduction mechanism, are presented in detail. Complex impedance spectroscopy showed an enhancement in ionic conductivity by salt doping, which correlated well with the dielectric parameters. The dielectric measurements further affirm that conduction in these biopolymer gel electrolytes is primarily governed by ions.Department of Science and Technology, Ministry of Science and Technology: DST/TSG/PT/2012/51-C Ministry of Coal, Government of Indiasupported by the Department of Science and Technology (Project DST/TSG/PT/2012/51-C), the Government of India. -