Synergistic Effects of ZnO and Cu Nanoparticles on the Properties of PVP/PEO Polymer Nanocomposites

Authors

  • A. A. Al-Muntaser Department of Physics, Faculty of Education and Applied Sciences at Arhab, Sana'a University, Sana'a, Yemen Author
  • Soheib D. Alsahafi Department of Physics, Aljamoum University College, Umm Al-Qura IJniversity, Makkah, Saudi Arabia Author
  • Eman Alzahrani Department of Chemistry, College of Science, Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia Author
  • Reem Alwafi Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia Author
  • G. M. Asnag Department of Mechatronics. College of Engineering and Information Technology, Emirates International University. Sana'a, Yemen Author
  • Abdu Saeed Department of Physics, Thamar University, Thamar, Yemen Author

Abstract

Polymer nanocomposites have garnered significant interest for their potential in different applications. Precise control over their structural, optical, and electrical properties using hybrid ZnO/Cu NPs fillers is crucial for optimizing performance in these applications. To address this need, herein, we investigate the effect of zinc oxide (ZnO) and copper (Cu) nanoparticles (NPs) on structural, optical, and dielectric/electrical properties of polyethylene oxide (PEO) and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) blends. The nanocomposites were synthesized by incorporating 1.5 wt% ZnO NPs and varying concentrations of Cu NPs (1.0% and 3.0%) into the PVP/PEO matrix. The prepared films were characterized using FTIR, XRD, UV/Vis spectroscopy, dielectric analysis, and impedance spectroscopy. FTIR and XRD analyses indicated structural changes, including reduced crystallinity and improved polymer–nanofiller interactions. Optical measurements revealed a redshift in absorption edge and a decrease in optical band gap, with values shifting from 4.89 eV (direct) and 3.99 eV (indirect) to 4.16 and 2.13 eV, respectively. Dielectric analysis showed enhanced dielectric constants and interfacial polarization effects, while AC conductivity measurements demonstrated an increase in conductivity. The Nyquist plot confirmed reduced bulk resistance and improved electrical conductivity with higher filler concentrations. These findings underscore the potential of these nanocomposites for applications in optoelectronic devices and sensors.

 

Author Biographies

  • A. A. Al-Muntaser, Department of Physics, Faculty of Education and Applied Sciences at Arhab, Sana'a University, Sana'a, Yemen

     

  • Soheib D. Alsahafi, Department of Physics, Aljamoum University College, Umm Al-Qura IJniversity, Makkah, Saudi Arabia

     

  • Eman Alzahrani, Department of Chemistry, College of Science, Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia

     

  • Reem Alwafi, Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

     

  • G. M. Asnag, Department of Mechatronics. College of Engineering and Information Technology, Emirates International University. Sana'a, Yemen

     

  • Abdu Saeed, Department of Physics, Thamar University, Thamar, Yemen

     

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Published

2026-05-09

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Copyright (c) 2026 "This Open Access article is distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0), permitting unrestricted use, distribution, and adaptation provided the original author and source are properly credited."

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How to Cite

Al-Muntaser, A. A., Alsahafi, S. D., Alzahrani, E., Alwafi, R., Asnag, G. M., & Saeed, A. (2026). Synergistic Effects of ZnO and Cu Nanoparticles on the Properties of PVP/PEO Polymer Nanocomposites. Emirates International University Digital Repository, 1(1). https://journals.eiu.edu.ye/index.php/eiudr/article/view/143

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