Abstract
Proton-conducting polymer complex electrolytes were prepared by incorporation of boric acid, H3BO3 into poly(vinylalcohol), PVA, to form hydrated PVAxH(3)BO(3) where x denotes the number of moles of boric acid per polymer repeat unit. The dried materials were characterized via Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetry, and X-ray diffraction. The proton conductivity of the hydrated complex electrolytes was measured by AC impedance spectroscopy. PVA(2)H(3)BO(3) with RH similar to 25% was found to be optimum composition that exhibited proton conductivity of 1.3 x 10(-3) S/cm at 80 degrees C.