RETRACTED ARTICLE: Spectroscopic, optical, mechanical, and electrical characterization of PEO/PVA incorporated by GO nanopowder

In this study, polyethylene oxide (PEO)/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) nanocomposite films incorporated with different concentrations of graphene oxide nanoparticles (GO NPs) were fabricated and characterized. The nanocomposites were characterized by XRD, FT-IR, optical spectroscopy, tensile testing, and electrical conductivity. The X-ray results suggest that adding of GO to PEO/PVA improves their compatibility and causes a decrease in the degree of crystallinity. The FT-IR spectra suggest the creation of stronger hydrogen bonds between the PEO/PVA polymeric chains and the GO as a filler. The absorbance spectra show increased UV-vis absorbance after adding GO nanopowders. The Tauc equation was used to calculate the optical band gap (_Eg) which increased after adding GO nanopowders. The mechanical and electrical properties of the samples are also studied. The results reveal that incorporating GO led to an overall reinforcing effect on the mechanical and dielectric properties. Moreover, the frequency of the electric field, the concentrations of the GO NPs, and interfacial interactions between GO and the polymer matrix were identified as important factors that can influence the dielectric property of the nanocomposite. In addition, the relationship between Z’ and Z’’ of the PEO/PVA-GO films provided important insights into the electrical behavior. The best PEO/PVA-GO nanocomposite sample shows potential for various applications, including electronics, battery energy storage and engineering field.