Enhanced Structural, Optical, and Electrical Properties of PVP/ZnO Nanocomposites

The filling of ZnO nanofillers into the host PVP matrix to formulate a novel class of PVP:(15-x)ZnO nanocomposite employing the solvent casting method is presented. The developmental effect of the ZnO nanofillers in the PVP matrix for various filler levels on structural, optical, dielectric, and electric properties is explored for future device applications. XRD studies reviewed the developments in microstructural disparities of different filler concentrations. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy-dispersive analysis of X-rays (EDS) technique show the surface morphology, chemical configuration, and conformation of PVP:(15-x)ZnO nanocomposites. FTIR spectra of pure and filled PVP nanocomposite replicate a manifestation in irregular shifts due to complex inter-/intramolecular hydrogen bonding between the filler and PVP matrix. The decrease in the optical energy band gap found for the filler percentage concentration x = 15% was evaluated by UV/Vis spectroscopy. With the rise in filler loading level from x = 0 to 15wt%, the dc conductivity increases from 0.97 x 10(-9) to 4.79 x 10(-9) S/cm, and beyond the filler level x > 15wt %, the dc conductivity found to be declining. In the PVP matrix, the metal oxide nanofillers provide characteristically extensive conductive pathways even at ultra-low loadings for x = 15wt%, enhancing the conducting properties. The frequency-dependent dielectric constant of PVP:(15-x)ZnO nanocomposite decreases with augmented nanofiller additive level.