Tailoring the optical and electrical properties of PVA via co-doping with V2O5 and Co3O4 for flexible electronics and energy-storage applications
摘要
Poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) films co-doped with vanadium pentoxide (V2O5) and cobalt oxide (Co3O4) nanoparticles were fabricated for potential flexible energy-storage and optoelectronic applications. V2O5 and Co3O4 nanoparticles were synthesized via a sol–gel method and incorporated into PVA using an evaporative casting technique. The V2O5 content was fixed at 1 wt. %, while Co3O4 was varied at 1, 3, and 5 wt.%. The combined effect of V2O5 and Co3O4 enhances charge transport and polarization, leading to improved dielectric and electrical performance. X-ray diffraction confirmed enhanced crystallinity, while FTIR analysis indicated strong polymer–nanoparticle interactions. Optical analysis demonstrated a significant modulation of the direct and indirect band gaps, as well as an enhancement in the refractive index and optical conductivity as a function of Co3O4 content. Thermal stability and decomposition kinetics were evaluated using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA/DTG), with activation energies and thermodynamic parameters determined through the Coats–Redfern method. Dielectric studies reveal a systematic increase in dielectric constant with filler content, reaching stable values above 1 kHz. DC conductivity increases markedly, achieving its maximum at 5 wt% Co3O4. Dielectric loss behavior indicates strong dipolar relaxation at intermediate loading (3 wt%). The synergistic incorporation of V2O5 and Co3O4 effectively tailors the structural, optical, thermal, and electrical properties of PVA, enhancing its potential for flexible electronic applications.