Synthesis, characterization and dielectric properties of polymer nanocomposites for energy storage applications

In this project, the oxidative chemical polymerization method is used to prepare polymer composite that consisting of polypyrrole polymer (PPy) and iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe₂O₃NPs). Then deposited this blend (PPy/Fe₂O₃) onto the PET substrate to creating flexible nanocomposite PET/(PPy/Fe₂O₃). Analyzing the samples using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) proves that the composite was effectively formed. With varying Fe₂O₃ ratios, the dielectric parameters of PET polymer and PET/(PPy/Fe₂O₃) composite have been documented at frequencies of 40–5.6 MHz. The surface properties were significantly enhanced by irradiation. The surface free energy increases from 41.36 mJ/m² to 66.23 mJ/m² and water contact angle reduces from 58.36° for PET to 39.25°. The results demonstrated that the composite surface characteristics were enhanced as the concentration of Fe₂O₃ changed. The obtained data showed that the fabricated samples have better properties than the PET films that can be utilized in many applications as capacitors and storage devices.

a SEM of PET, b SEM of PPy/Fe₂O₃, c SEM of PET/(PPy/Fe₂O₃, d contact angle with ratiosof Fe₂O₃ and e surface free energy with ratios of Fe₂O₃