Preparation of PEO/PMMA nanocomposite based on functionalized graphene oxide as a solid polymer electrolyte film with high ionic conductivity: Statistical approach using response surface methodology

Abstract Researchers are increasingly interested in solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) as potential materials for flexible rechargeable lithium‐ion batteries. This work focuses on preparing SPE nanocomposite based on polyethylene oxide/polymethyl methacrylate, PEO/PMMA, blend as the host polymer matrix and lithium perchlorate salt (LiClO 4 ) as electrolyte salt comprising functionalized nanographene oxide (FGO) as nanofiller. We investigated the simultaneous effect of the primary factors and their interaction on the ionic conductivity, including (i) the amount of FGO, (ii) the amount of lithium salt, and (iii) the mass fraction of PMMA on the amount of ionic conductivity. Hence, a statistical study was conducted utilizing the Box–Behnken response (BBD) method, following the response surface methodology (RSM). The highest ionic conductivity value of 20 × 10 −3 S.cm −1 could be obtained for the 65/35 blend with the polymer‐to‐salt molar ratio equal to 8 and 1.5 phr FGO. There was no significant difference in ionic conductivity when increasing the amount of FGO from 0.5 to 1 phr. However, increasing the amount of FGO from 1 to 1.5 phr significantly improved ionic conductivity. The quantity of lithium perchlorate salt directly correlated with the ionic conductivity levels. The amount of ionic conductivity increased with the PMMA mass fraction increase from 0.2 to 0.35 and then decreased again. The 3D response surface plots were also employed to show the interaction of different factors. Highlights The polyelectrolytes with high ionic conductivity were prepared. The simultaneous effect of primary factors on the ionic conductivity was studied. Statistical study provided the order of impact of parameters on ionic conductivity. The 3D surface plot determined factors for maximum ionic conductivity.