Characterization and properties of solid-state nanocomposite Acacia gum electrolytes with emphasis on diverse applications

Abstract

A novel, natural, eco-friendly, solid-state Acacia gum nanocomposite electrolyte has been prepared with different weight ratios of nanoparticle ZrO2 introduced to the standard composition of 70% Acacia gum and 30% ZnSO4·7H2O. Sequential examinations, encompassing XRD, and FTIR, were conducted to evaluate the amorphous characteristics, complexation nature, and interaction of dopant nanoparticles within the acacia-salt electrolyte matrix network. The optimum ionic conductivity of nanocomposite electrolytes was found using electrochemical impedance analysis. The remarkable ionic conductivity was achieved for the electrolyte sample consisting of 10% nanoparticle ZrO2 introduced to the standard composition of 70% of Acacia gum and 30% of ZnSO4·7H2O(AZR4) at 100 °C, 6.1×10−3S/cm, at room temperature (RT) the electrolyte sample exhibited conductivity value of 1.13×10−3 S/cm. Additionally, an examination of the dielectric characteristics dependent on frequency demonstrated the existence of space charge polarization in the electrolyte and a notable tail in the low-frequency area. Through the parameters of the dielectric modulus, the research also investigated the hopping mechanism and relaxation time. Furthermore, nano-composite electrolytes were employed in the construction of solar cell devices. The outstanding results were obtained for electrolyte upon (10 wt%) nanoparticle-introduced, overall power conversion efficiency (ƞ) reached 5.38%, short-circuit photocurrent density (Jsc) 10.92 mA/cm2, open-circuit voltage (Voc) at 735 mV, and fill factor (FF) at 0.63.