Processing polymer film nanocomposites of poly(vinylidene fluoride)/poly(ethylene oxide) and cobalt oxide nanoparticles for flexible energy storage systems.

Using the solution cast method, researchers prepared Poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF)/Poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) blend doped with various weight ratios of Cobalt oxide nanoparticles (Co3O4 NPs). XRD analysis revealed a remarkable increase in the amorphous nature of the nanocomposites as the Co3O4 concentration climbed. The Notable alterations were revealed by the FT-IR spectra, revealing interactions between the PVDF/PEO blend and Co3O4 NPs. We found a significant red shift in the fundamental absorption edge of nanocomposites films using UV–visible spectroscopy. As the concentration of Co3O4 ions rose, the direct bandgap of PVDF/PEO film decreased significantly, from 5.39 eV to 3.96 eV, while the Urbach energy increased. Thermal analysis in the range of 30–500 °C revealed a remarkable improvement in the thermal stability of the nanocomposites compared to their pure PVDF/PEO blend. The endothermic melting temperature (Tm) of the PVDF/PEO blend is 130 °C was calculated from DSC analysis. To delve into the electrical behavior of the films, its conductivity was examined using an AC impedance analyzer over a broad frequency range of 100 Hz–7 MHz at room temperature. As the Co3O4 NP content ramped up and the frequency climbed, the material's electrical conductivity responded in kind, showing a consistent upward trend. The electrical conductivity of the nanocomposite films, as a function of frequency, neatly follows Jonscher's equation. The PVDF/PEO blend containing 2%Co3O4 NPs reigned supreme in terms of ionic conductivity, boasting a remarkable 6.5 × 10–4 Scm−1 at room temperature. The dielectric constant increases with Co3O4 concentration, according to dielectric permittivity studies, because of interfacial polarization at the PVDF/PEO and Co3O4 interfaces. The findings show that the films made from nanocomposites have improved optical, thermal, electrical, and dielectric properties. The gathered data suggests that the Co3O4 nanoparticles doped PVDF/PEO mix films are a novel, easy-to-work-with, and promising material for a range of applications, such as optoelectronics, electronics, and other flexible energy storage devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]