Tuning the physical properties of polystyrene matrix by NiO addition supports supercapacitor applications. (September 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Acharya, Aman Deep; Silwal, Kritika; Bhawna, ; Hinge, Vijay Kumar
• Is Part Of: Vacuum. Volume 191(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-09
• Subjects: NiO -- Polystyrene -- Solution cast technique -- Nanocomposites -- Physical properties; Vacuum -- Periodicals; 621.55
• DOI: 10.1016/j.vacuum.2021.110408
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0042-207X

Abstract

Abstract: To get information about the better tunability of polymer matrix by doping with desired amount of metal oxide, we have developed nickel oxide-polystyrene (NiO: PS) nanocomposites by solution casting technique. Controlled chemical reactions in the atmosphere i.e. Ar 90% + NH3 10%) play an important role in the synthesis of NiO to transform its morphological growth. Prepared composites with different concentrations of NiO (i.e. 0 - 5 wt %) was characterized by X-ray diffraction, Scanning Electron Microscopy and UV–Visible spectroscopy. XRD results exhibited higher filler concentration (i.e.> 1) leads to the degradation of NiO which build the composition more absorptive as supported by optical records. Rice shaped morphology was seen wherein higher concentration supports supercapacitor applications. The observations obtained from EDAX study provides the clear evidence of the moisture which hindered the growth of NiO beyond the 1 wt% of the NiO doped polystyrene, hence served as an optimal dopant concentration. Variations in the optical bandgap were also asserted by optical constant. The effect of NiO addition in the polymer matrix in context to support of supercapacitor application has been tentatively discussed with the help of electrochemical impedance measurement. Highlights: Rice-shaped nanoparticales of NiO supports supercapacitor applications. Larger grain size resulting in high surface roughness. Rise in optical scattering caused surface roughness. Reduction in the value of the optical constants results in the opening of the bandgap. Variation of refractive index with the different concentrations suggests the band gap in polymer composite could be tuned by adding appropriate amount of filler.