Electrical transport and crystallization in Cu+ ion substituted AgI–Ag2O–V2O5 glassy superionic system

Abstract

A new glassy solid electrolyte system CuxAg1 − xI–Ag2O–V2O5 has been synthesized. The structural, thermal and electrical properties of the samples have been investigated. The glassy nature of the samples is confirmed by X-Ray diffraction and Differential Scanning Calorimetry studies. The electrical conductivity of these samples increases with CuI content and approaches a maximum value of ∼ 10−2 Ω− 1 cm− 1 for x = 0.35 at room temperature. Ionic mobility measurements suggest that enhancement in the conductivity with Cu+ ion substitution may be attributed to increase in the mobility of Ag+ ions. The electrical conductivity versus temperature cycles carried out at well-controlled heating rate above Tg and Tc reveal interesting thermal properties. For lower CuI content samples conductivity exhibits anomalous rise above Tg and subsequent fall at Tc. It is also found that CuI addition into AgI–Ag2O–V2O5 matrix reduces the extent of crystallization.