Optical and dielectric properties of polymer nanocomposite based on PVC matrix and Cu/Cu2O nanorods synthesized by gamma irradiation for energy storage applications

Herein, a rod-like shape of Cu/Cu2O nanoparticles was synthesized using gamma radiation and dispersed with different concentrations in poly (vinyl chloride) PVC matrix. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) evidences the formation of the crystalline phases (Cu/Cu2O). Also, SEM images affirmed that Cu/Cu2O nanoparticles have a rod shape. The optical band gap reduces from 5.36 eV for PVC to 3.49 eV as the content of Cu/Cu2O increases in PVC while the Eu increases. The impedance spectroscopy technique provides impeccable data on AC electric conductivity, dielectric, and electric modulus components. The activation energy of Cu/Cu2O doped PVC films reduces as the frequency increases. In the cole-cole plots, the area of the semicircles expands as the temperature rises, indicating an enhancement in the capacitance, and the influence of grain boundaries on the conduction process is more prominent than the impact of grains. Overall, enhancement in the dielectric and optical characteristics of the PVC/Cu/Cu2O nanocomposite films makes them suitable for energy storage applications.