Polymer Electrolyte Films Doped with Nanofillers ZnO: Electrochemical and Optical Investigations

Year : 2026 | Volume : 14 | Issue : 01 | Page : 320 332
    By

    Sonu Kumar,

  • Sushma Kumari,

  • Shashi Shankar Jha,

  • Madhuri Singh,

  • Rakesh Kumar raushan,

  • Smita Bharati,

  • Mansi Ranjan,

  1. Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Government Engineering College, Jehanabad, Bihar Engineering University, Patna, Bihar, India
  2. Assistant professor, Department of Physics, Nalanda College of Engineering, Chandi, Bihar Engineering University, Patna, Bihar, India
  3. Assistant professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Government Engineering College, Jehanabad, Bihar Engineering University, Patna, Bihar, India
  4. Assistant professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Government Engineering College, Jehanabad, Bihar Engineering University, Patna, Bihar, India
  5. Assistant professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Government Engineering College, Jehanabad, Bihar Engineering University, Patna, Bihar, India
  6. Assistant professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Government Engineering College, Jehanabad, Bihar Engineering University, Patna, Bihar, India
  7. Assistant professor, Department of Civil Engineering, Nalanda College of Engineering, Chandi, Bihar Engineering University, Patna, Bihar, India

Abstract

The electrochemical and optical characteristics of polymer composite electrolyte films doped with zinc oxide (ZnO) nanofillers are thoroughly examined in this work. Because of its superior film-forming capacity, flexibility, and ionic transport properties, poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) mixed with potassium iodide (KI) is used as the host polymer electrolyte. To investigate their effects on ionic conductivity, dielectric behavior, and optical transmission, ZnO nanoparticles are synthesized and added to the PVA–KI matrix in different concentrations. Because of enhanced salt dissociation, increased amorphous content, and the creation of interfacial conduction pathways, electrical characterization shows that the addition of ZnO nanofillers greatly increases ionic conductivity. Up to a certain point, the conductivity rises with ZnO concentration; after that, it falls because of nanoparticle agglomeration, which limits ion mobility. Dielectric studies demonstrate a strong dependence of dielectric constant and dielectric loss on nanofiller content, reflecting increased polarization and charge transport mechanisms at lower filler concentrations. Scanning electron microscopy shows uniform nanoparticle dispersion at ideal concentrations, while structural analyses using X-ray diffraction confirm decreased crystallinity of the polymer matrix upon ZnO addition. Optical analysis reveals a modification in optical transparency and band gap, attributed to interfacial interactions between ZnO nanoparticles and polymer chains. The ion transference number measurements confirm that the prepared films are predominantly ionic conductors. Overall, the results demonstrate that ZnO-doped PVA–KI polymer electrolyte films exhibit improved electrical, dielectric, and optical properties, making them promising candidates for applications in solid-state batteries, supercapacitors, sensors, and optoelectronic devices.

Keywords: Dielectric properties, ionic conductivity, polymer electrolyte, PVA–KI composite, ZnO nanofillers

[This article belongs to Journal of Polymer & Composites ]

How to cite this article:
Sonu Kumar, Sushma Kumari, Shashi Shankar Jha, Madhuri Singh, Rakesh Kumar raushan, Smita Bharati, Mansi Ranjan. Polymer Electrolyte Films Doped with Nanofillers ZnO: Electrochemical and Optical Investigations. Journal of Polymer & Composites. 2026; 14(01):320-332.
How to cite this URL:
Sonu Kumar, Sushma Kumari, Shashi Shankar Jha, Madhuri Singh, Rakesh Kumar raushan, Smita Bharati, Mansi Ranjan. Polymer Electrolyte Films Doped with Nanofillers ZnO: Electrochemical and Optical Investigations. Journal of Polymer & Composites. 2026; 14(01):320-332. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/jopc/article=2026/view=236360


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Regular Issue Subscription Review Article
Volume 14
Issue 01
Received 01/11/2025
Accepted 17/11/2025
Published 29/01/2026
Publication Time 89 Days
144

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