Effect of CeO₂ Nanoparticles on the Structural and Electrical Properties Of PEO–KClO₄ Nanocomposite Polymer Electrolytes

ABSTRACT This work presents the emulsion and disquisition of polyethylene oxide (PEO) – potassium perchlorate (KClO4) solid polymer electrolytes dispersed with cerium oxide (CeO2) nanoparticles. The polymer nanocomposites were fabricated via result casting and dominated to structural, morphological, and electrochemical characterization. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed that the addition of CeO₂ reduces the crystallinity of PEO, thereby increasing the amorphous regions that facilitate ion transport. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) revealed polymer – tar – stuffing relations through shifts in vibrational bands and variations in intensity. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) indicated morphological variations and disbandment of filling tittles within the polymer matrix. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) demonstrated significant enhancement in ionic conductivity with CeO2 loading, following Arrhenius- type temperature dependence. Dielectric and Electric modulus analyses show better polarization, relaxation dynamics, and non-Debye conduct. The findings suggest that CeO2 - unravel PEO – KClO4 nanocomposites are promising contenders for coming- generation solid- state electrochemical bias. Among them, polyethylene oxide (PEO) has been vastly studied as a polymer host because of its capability to solvate alkali hearties through ether oxygen collaboration and still, the high crystallinity of PEO at room temperature limits ionic transport, performing in low conductivity. To address this limitation, several strategies have been explored, including blending, plasticization, and the incorporation of inorganic nanofillers. The addition of nanofillers is particularly effective, as they disrupt crystalline regions, increase unformed content, and give new ion transport pathways. Cerium oxide (CeO2) nanoparticles are of particular interest because of their high dielectric constant, face oxygen vacancies, and capability to interact with both cations and anions. These features meliorate tar dissociation and reduce ion aggregation, enhancing conductivity and dielectric response. Although numerous studies have excavated CeO2 in lithium- predicated systems, lower reports live for potassium perchlorate (KClO4) – predicated electrolytes. The present study investigates CeO2- dispersed PEO–KClO4 nanocomposite films prepared via result casting. Structural, morphological, and electrical characterizations were performed to understand the part of CeO₂ in modifying crystallinity, ion transport, and dielectric relaxation. Keywords: PEO–KClO4, CeO2 nanoparticles, Ionic conductivity, Dielectric properties, Electric modulus, XRD, SEM, FTIR