Tuning the physical properties of polystyrene matrix by NiO addition supports supercapacitor applications

To get information about the better tunability of polymer matrix by doping with desired amount of metal oxide, we have developed nickel oxide-polystyrene (NiO: PS) nanocomposites by solution casting technique. Controlled chemical reactions in the atmosphere i.e. Ar 90% + NH3 10%) play an important role in the synthesis of NiO to transform its morphological growth. Prepared composites with different concentrations of NiO (i.e. 0 - 5 wt %) was characterized by X-ray diffraction, Scanning Electron Microscopy and UV-Visible spectroscopy. XRD results exhibited higher filler concentration (i.e.> 1) leads to the degradation of NiO which build the composition more absorptive as supported by optical records. Rice shaped morphology was seen wherein higher concentration supports supercapacitor applications. The observations obtained from EDAX study provides the clear evidence of the moisture which hindered the growth of NiO beyond the 1 wt% of the NiO doped polystyrene, hence served as an optimal dopant concentration. Variations in the optical bandgap were also asserted by optical constant. The effect of NiO addition in the polymer matrix in context to support of supercapacitor application has been tentatively discussed with the help of electrochemical impedance measurement.

Automated summary

A new method of enhancing the tunability of polymer matrix by doping metal oxides has been studied, with successful development of nickel oxide-polystyrene nanocomposites. Controlled chemical reactions during synthesis play a significant role in the morphological growth of NiO, and higher NiO concentrations may lead to degradation. Moreover, the optimal doping concentration of NiO for supercapacitor applications was found to be 1 wt%.