Effect of zinc oxide nanoparticles on physical properties of carboxymethyl cellulose/ poly (ethylene oxide) matrix

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) with sizes 20-80 nm were successfully prepared using the Sol-Gel technique. They were loaded with different weight ratios (wt.%) ~ 0, 0.3, 0.8, 2, 4, and 6 wt% on a polymer blend of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC)/polyethylene oxide (PEO) (70:30) utilizing the solution casting route. The formed ZnO NPs loaded with CMC/PEO blend demonstrate a notable decrement in the bandgap from 4.51 to 3.34 eV. A significant increase in the refractive index from 1.79 to 1.97 was observed with increasing ZnO NPs content from 0 to 6 wt %. AC conductivity (tr sigma(ac)) measurements at 298 K revealed a measurable enhancement in conductivity and dielectric parameters with the increase of ZnO NPs contents reaching their optimum values at 2 wt%. Furthermore, the temperature dependence of the sigma(ac) and dielectric parameters was investigated for the optimum concentration, highlighting its unique characteristics for solid-state supercapacitors.

Automated summary

Zinc oxide nanoparticles with sizes 20-80 nm were successfully prepared using the Sol-Gel technique and loaded onto a polymer blend, resulting in a notable decrease in bandgap, increase in refractive index, and enhancement in conductivity and dielectric parameters. The optimum ZnO NPs content for solid-state supercapacitors was found to be 2 wt%.