Dielectric properties of synthesized ternary hybrid nanocomposite embedded in poly (vinyl alcohol) matrix films

Abstract

This research involves preparation and characterization of ternary hybrid nanocomposites; reduced graphene oxide rGO nanosheets, manganese dioxide MnO2 nanorods and poly (anthranilic acid) hollow sphere PANA (rGO-MnO2-PANA). The synthesis follows bi-step chemical reaction. Initially, rGO and MnO2 were prepared separately, then mixed together ultrasonically to form a binary hybrid of rGO-MnO2. Second step includes in situ polymerization of anthranilic acid monomer with the prepared rGO-MnO2. All the prepared compounds were characterized by different techniques: FT-IR, XRD, SEM, EDX and TEM. Incorporation of the ternary hybrid in different weight ratios with PVA afforded the required nanocomposites (rGO-MnO2-PANA/PVA) films. The electrical properties of the nanocomposite films were investigated at frequency of 10 kHz-2 MHz. It was found that, at low frequency, the dielectric (real) permittivity (ε’) and imaginary permittivity (ε”) approached to higher values in all cases, while these values decreased gradually with increasing frequency. It was also confirmed that the alternating current conductivity of the composites increased with increasing frequency. These findings underline the potential employing of rGO-MnO2-PANA/PVA composites as a flexible dielectric material for enhancing polymer electrical conductivity and in energy storage applications.