Ionic Conductivity through Thermoresponsive Polymer Gel: Ordering Matters

Thermoreversible polymer gel has been prepared using PEO–PPO–PEO block copolymer (Pluronic F77) which self-assembles into different microcrystalline phases like cubic, 2D-hexagonal, and lamellar. Addition of electrolyte (LiI/I₂) converts the gel into a polymer gel electrolyte (PGE) which exhibits microphase-dependent ionic conductivity. The crystalline phases have been identified by SAXS as a function of the polymer concentration. It is found that the optimum value for the ionic conductivity (≈1 × 10^–3 S.cm^–1) is achieved in the Im3m phase due to faster diffusion of ions through the 3D-interconnected micellar nanochannels. This fact is further supported by FTIR study, ionic transference number, and diffusion coefficient measurements.