Ion transport studies on Pb(NO3)2: Al2O3 composite solid electrolytes: Effect of dispersoid particle size

Composites of Alumina dispersed Lead Nitrate of different particles sizes (0.3 mu m, 36.9 mu m) were prepared through mechanical mixing process. These composites have been characterized by using XRD and SEM. Transport properties of these systems have been studied by means of impedance spectroscopy in the frequency range 100Hz to 4MHz in the temperature range from room temperature to 300 degrees C. Temperature dependent conductivity spectra for composites with different mole percentages of alumina and with different particle sizes (0.3 mu m, 36.9 mu m) studied. The contact surface area between host and dispersoid increases with the decrease in particle size. These studies indicate that the conductivity in these systems is mainly due to the contribution enhanced concentration of mobile ions at the interfacial regions of host and dispersoid materials and increased mobility of charge carriers along the grain boundaries. It is believed that mechanism of conductivity through anti- Frenkel disorder (NO3- ions) in these composites.