Fabrication and Unraveling the Morphological, Structural, Optical and Dielectric Features of PMMA-SiO2/CuO Promising Ternary Nanostructures for Nanoelectronic and Photonic Applications

This research is essential for the progress of nanocomposite technology, with ramifications for society. The development of economical and high-performing nanocomposites may result in improved and adaptable optoelectronic devices, therefore contributing to technical progress and economic advantages. The (PMMA-SiO₂/CuO) nanocomposites(NCs) have been prepared using the solution cast method. This study examined the structural, optical, and electrical characteristics of nanocomposites consisting of PMMA-SiO₂/CuO. The nanoparticles were uniformly distributed throughout the composite, resulting in a cohesive network within the polymer matrix, as evidenced by the optical microscope photos. The FTIR analysis showed a shift in the peak location and changes in the shape and intensity compared to the pure PMMA sample. The findings about the optical characteristics indicate a significant increase in absorption by approximately 331% (from 0.65 to 2.77) at a wavelength of 520 nm. The absorbance, refractive index, and optical conductivity of pure PMMA exhibited an increase with the rising concentration of (SiO₂/CuO) nanoparticles. Additionally, the energy gap experienced a decrease of roughly 120% (from 4.01 to 1.81 eV) for allowed indirect transitions and 248% (from 3.48 to 1.05 eV) for forbidden indirect transitions with increasing concentration of (SiO₂/CuO) nanoparticles. The nanocomposites of PMMA-SiO₂/CuO exhibit a significant absorbance level in the ultraviolet (UV) region. As the frequency of the applied electric field increased, the dielectric constant and dielectric loss of the (PMMA-SiO₂/CuO) nanocomposites decreased, as indicated by the experimental results. With an increase in frequency, the electrical conductivity of an alternating current (A.C.) increases. The dielectric loss of pure PMMA exhibited an increase with the increasing concentration of (PMMA-SiO₂/CuO) nanoparticles. At a frequency of 100 Hz, the presence of SiO₂/CuO nanoparticles in PMMA increased the dielectric constant by about 44% and the A.C. electrical conductivity by approximately 328% when the nanoparticles accounted for 6% of the total weight. The pressure sensor application investigation findings on NCs demonstrate a direct correlation between the applied pressure and the rise in electrical capacitance (C_p).