Composite electrolytes in the [(KCl)0.9:(NaCl)0.1]1−y:(ZrO2)y system were prepared,

and their ionic conductivities were studied. In a previous study of the mixed halide

system, (KCl)1−x:(NaCl)x, a maximum conductivity which was some 50 times

greater than that of the base KCl matrix had been found when x = 0.1. The matrix

(KCl)0.9:(NaCl)0.1 was dispersed with various concentrations of ZrO2 (powder) to

prepare the composites. The maximum conductivity was found for the composite

with y = 0.5. The matrices were prepared by melt-quenching, and the dispersion of

ZrO2 was carried out in the liquid. Conductivity measurements were performed

using impedance spectroscopy. The composite, [(KCl)0.9-(NaCl)0.1]0.5-(ZrO2)0.5,

was characterized using X-ray diffraction analysis, differential thermal analysis,

thermogravimetric analysis and scanning electron microscopy. The conductivity of

the [(KCl)0.9:(NaCl)0.1]0.5:(ZrO2)0.5 composite as a function of temperature was

studied. The conductivity increase of the composite could be attributed to an

enhancement of the defect concentration in the space-charge region created at the

interface between the halide host and the dispersoid.

Preparation, Characterization and Ionic Conductivity Studies of ZrO2 Dispersed

Mixed Halide Matrix (KCl)0.9–(NaCl)0.1. A.Gupta, A.Sil, N.K.Verma: Journal of

Physics and Chemistry of Solids, 2009, 70[2], 340-3