Influence of ZnMn2O4/CuCo2O4 nano-fillers on the optical and electrical properties PVA/CMC/PEG blended polymers

Abstract

(1-x)ZnMn2O4/xCuCo2O4 samples were synthesized by the co-precipitation method while polyvinyl alcohol/carboxymethyl cellulose/polyethylene glycol (PVA/CMC/PEG) blended polymer were fabricated by the casting method. Rietveld refinement analysis was used to determine the crystallite size and phase percentages for each composition were determined for all samples. The morphology and structure of PVA/CMC/PEG/(1-x)ZnMn2O4/xCuCo2O4 blends were examined using scanning electron microscopy and x-ray diffraction techniques. The reflectance and transmittance spectra were examined for blended polymers using a diffused reflectance spectrophotometer. Using LCR meter, the prepared blend films' dielectric properties were evaluated. When the blend is loaded with 0.9ZnMn2O4/0.1CuCo2O4, the lowest transmittance values (29–47 %) in the visible region are reached. As the CuCo2O4 doping levels became 10 % in the filler, the smallest direct and indirect energy gap values of 5.4 and (4.47, 1.9, 1.65) eV were attained, respectively. The linear and nonlinear optical parameters affected by the amount of CuCo2O4 in the filler samples. The optical conductivity of the doped blend reached its maximum value at x = 0.15. The CIE chromaticity diagrams revealed that the blends have varying degrees of blue color. The addition of (1-x)ZnMn2O4/xCuCo2O4 fillers improves the energy storage capability of the blends without raising the energy dissipation. The highest value of AC conductivity was achieved with the blend containing 0.9ZnMn2O4/0.1CuCo2O4. Nyquist plot revealed that the ionic conductivity increased as a result of doping. The obtained results suggest that the doped PVA/CMC/PEG/(1-x)ZnMn2O4/xCuCo2O4 blends might be used in a variety of industrial applications, including solar cell technology.