PVA/PEG/CuCo2O4/PANi/x wt% MWCNTs blended polymers: Improved the physical properties for energy storage devices and optoelectronic applications

Abstract

The current investigation aims to enhance the optical and dielectric properties of poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA)/polyethylene glycol (PEG) blended polymers via loading with copper cobaltite (CuCo2O4), polyaniline (PANi), and x wt% multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) for potential applications in optoelectronics and capacitive storage. The fabrication of PVA/PEG/CuCo2O4/PANi/x wt% MWCNTs blended polymers was carried out via casting and hydrothermal methods. Characterization of the blended polymer's structure and morphology was conducted using X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy techniques. The impact of various fillers on the linear and nonlinear optical properties of the host blend was analyzed. The loaded blends demonstrated efficacy in blocking UVA, UVB, and UVC spectra, making them suitable absorbers for solar cells. The lowest values for direct and indirect optical band gap energy (Eg), of 5.34 eV and 4.44 eV were attained at x = 0.02. The blend with x = 0.01 displays the highest refractive index at λ = 600 nm. The optical conductivity exhibited nonmonotonically growth until peaking at x = 0.01. Analysis of chromaticity diagrams in CIE 1931 color space reveals that all blends emit blue-violet hues with slight variations in intensity. The fluorescence (FL) intensity of the doped blend is notably lower compared to the undoped counterparts. The doped blend (x = 0.03) showcases superior dielectric constants and ac conductivity values. The maximum energy density was achieved at 1 kHz for the host blend incorporating CuCo2O4/PANi. Overall, the observed characteristics indicate that PVA/PEG/CuCo2O4/PANi/x wt% MWCNTs blended polymers represent promising hybrid nanomaterials suitable for diverse applications.