The synthesis, characterization, and electrical properties of a zno nanoparticle-pvc nanocomposite

The paper details the synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles using the Sol-Gel method. This method is commonly employed to produce nanoparticles with controlled Properties. The ZnO nanoparticles were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD). The XRD pattern revealed that these nanoparticles have a hexagonal crystalline structure. The grain size was determined to be 34.5 nanometers, indicating the size of individual crystalline domains in the nanoparticles. The SEM images showed that the ZnO nanoparticles had a porous and sponge-like appearance at different magnifications, including a 5µm scale bar. This porous structure can have implications for various applications, such as increased surface area and reactivity. The ZnO nanoparticles were incorporated into a PVC matrix. This implies the creation of a nanocomposite material, where the properties of the PVC are modified by the presence of the nanoparticles. Electrical measurements of the nanocomposite film were conducted. The paper reports that the dielectric constant of the film increases with the concentration of ZnO nanoparticles. This suggests that the presence of nanoparticles enhances the film's ability to store electric charge and modify its electrical properties. This paper also notes that the AC conductivity of the film increases with both the concentration of doping (the amount of ZnO nanoparticles added) and temperature. This suggests that the nanocomposite film becomes a better conductor under these conditions. The energy band gap of the film was calculated using the taut relation. It was found to be 0.375 eV for the virgin film (without ZnO nanoparticles) and 0.39 eV for the doped film (with ZnO nanoparticles). A smaller band gap for the doped film may indicate that the nanoparticles' presence has affected the composite's electronic Properties. The XRD spectra of the nanocomposite film indicated that the crystallinity of the film increased as the doping concentration of ZnO nanoparticles into the PVC matrix increased. Higher crystallinity often suggests improved structural order and stability.