Investigation of ac conductivity in PEG-stabilized doped zirconia composites

Abstract Eu 3+ and Eu 3+ /ZnS-doped zirconia/polyethylene glycol (ZrO 2 /PEG) composites were synthesized using a non-hydrolytic sol-gel method. The ac conductivity of both undoped and doped samples was analyzed over a frequency range of 50 Hz to 2 MHz at room temperature, as well as at elevated temperatures between 30°C and 150°C. The frequency-dependent behavior of ac conductivity in pure and doped samples was examined, revealing a significant increase in conductivity for Eu 3+ and Eu 3+ /ZnS-doped composites. This enhancement is attributed to the creation of free sites that facilitate ion migration. Additionally, the influence of temperature on the ac conductivity of both pure and doped samples was explored.There is a decrease in the ac conductivity due to the effects of polymer decomposition and defect annihilation at higher temperature. High ac conductivity can make these composites ideal for applications like electrolytes in fuel cells or ionic conductors in sensors.