A novel colloidal suspension of TBA+BF4−–EG and its applications as a soft solid electrolyte

Abstract

A novel ionically conducting colloidal suspension was prepared from a quaternary ammonium salt and ethylene glycol. The prepared colloidal medium was thoroughly characterized in terms of its ionic conductivity, rheological and thermal properties. The colloid exhibited sharp reversible sol ↔ gel transitions at 50–55 °C. The phase transitions were associated with drastic changes in viscosity (10⁻² to 10² Pa s) and ionic conductivity (0.5–12.67 mS cm⁻¹). The sharp transition at ambient temperature helps to preserve the dispersed state of different nanoparticles obtained via sonication in the medium. The soft solid nature of the colloid can be considered to mimick a biological environment and was evaluated as a soft electrolytic medium for monitoring enzyme kinetics.