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 (Co 3 O 4 NPs). XRD analysis revealed a remarkable increase in the amorphous nature of the nanocomposites as the Co 3 O 4 concentration climbed. The Notable alterations were revealed by the FT-IR spectra, revealing interactions between the PVDF/PEO blend and Co 3 O 4 NPs. We found a significant red shift in the fundamental absorption edge of nanocomposites films using UV–visible spectroscopy. As the concentration of Co 3 O 4 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 (T m ) 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 Co 3 O 4 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%Co 3 O 4 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 Co 3 O 4 concentration, according to dielectric permittivity studies, because of interfacial polarization at the PVDF/PEO and Co 3 O 4 interfaces. The findings show that the films made from nanocomposites have improved optical, thermal, electrical, and dielectric properties. The gathered data suggests that the Co 3 O 4 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.