Polymer electrolytes are widely explored in the battery and supercapacitor industries due to their potential to enhance ionic conductivity, mechanical integrity, and environmental compatibility. Among these, natural polymer-based systems such as methylcellulose (MC) and dextran offer promising properties including flexibility, processability, and compatibility with eco-friendly materials. To further improve their electrochemical performance, plasticizers like glycerol and sorbitol are incorporated to enhance amorphous content and segmental mobility. This study aims to enhance ion mobility and transport efficiency by systematically varying glycerol content in a MC–dextran–sorbitol polymer electrolyte doped with CH3COONa and reinforced with TiO2 nanoparticles, while keeping the MC/dextran/sorbitol/salt/TiO2 base composition constant across EO1–EO5. Five different samples were prepared using the solution casting method, with glycerol concentrations ranging from (8 to 40 wt

Solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) are attractive options for next-generation energy storage systems owing to their safety, versatility, and cost-effectiveness. However, their low ionic conductivity makes them unsuitable for practical use. This study created a new chitosan (CS)-dextran (Dx) blend SPE containing ammonium thiocyanate (NH4SCN) and zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles. The SPE was plasticized with different glycerol concentrations (8–40 wt

Biopolymer-based solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) are promising for safer, flexible energy-storage devices but typically show low room-temperature ionic conductivity. Here, we demonstrate glycerol-driven ion-transport enhancement in NaI-doped MC–dextran–sorbitol hosts reinforced with TiO2 nanofiller. Films (MC/Dextran/Sorbitol = 50/30/20 wt.

This study systematically investigates the role of glycerol concentration as a plasticizer in controlling structure–ion transport relationships in methylcellulose (MC)–dextran–sorbitol nanocomposite polymer electrolyte (NPE) films doped with lithium nitrate (LiNO3, 38 wt

Polymer electrolytes are vital for modern energy storage systems due to their flexibility, safety, and ionic conductivity. Biopolymer-based systems like methylcellulose (MC) and chitosan offer eco-friendly alternatives but often suffer from low conductivity and limited mechanical strength. This study aims to enhance the ionic transport properties of MC-based electrolytes by incorporating glycerol as a plasticizer in varying concentrations (9-45 wt.%). Polymer films were fabricated via solution casting using fixed amounts of chitosan, MC, sorbitol, KNO3, and TiO2 nanoparticles, with glycerol as the sole variable. Structural and molecular characterizations were conducted using XRD and FTIR, while ionic conductivity was measured by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Results revealed a significant drop in bulk resistance from 1.68 M Omega at 9 wt.% glycerol to 492 Omega at 45 wt.%, corresponding to a dramatic increase in ionic conductivity from 0.001 to 9.769 mu S/cm - nearly a 10,000-fold improvement. This enhancement is attributed to increased polymer chain mobility and reduced crystallinity, confirming glycerol's role as an effective plasticizer. The findings underscore the potential of glycerol-modified biopolymer electrolytes in advancing flexible, safe, and high-performance materials for solid-state battery applications.

This study involved the preparation of ZnO and CdS nanoparticles via a plant-assisted aqueous synthesis method using Rhus coriaria extract, followed by assessment of their structural, optical, and antibacterial properties. We used X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV–Vis spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) to study the nanoparticles we made. The XRD showed that crystalline hexagonal ZnO and CdS phases had formed. The average diameters of the crystals were about 31.2 nm and 41.28 nm, respectively. The UV–Vis investigation showed that ZnO had an absorption band at 370 nm and CdS had an absorption band at 463 nm. These bands correspond to band-gap energies of 3.29 eV and 2.72 eV, respectively. SEM showed that ZnO particles were grouped together and were about 71.9 nm in size, while CdS particles were about 83.39 nm in size. FTIR spectra showed the presence of hydroxyl and organic surface groups, suggesting that plant-based compounds helped stabilize the nanoparticles. Antimicrobial testing showed that both nanoparticles were effective against Klebsiella pneumoniae (22.2 ± 0.6 and 32.1 ± 1.05) mm and Staphylococcus aureus (23.4 ± 0.3 and 33.2 ± 0.6) mm for ZnO and CdS NPs, respectively at 100 mg/mL, although CdS was more effective overall and was the only material that worked against Candida albicans (29.0 ± 1.2) mm. Under the conditions tested, ZnO did not exhibit any antifungal activity. These results show that using Rhus coriaria to produce ZnO and CdS nanoparticles is an effective method, but further research on the mechanisms, surface properties, yield optimization, and toxicity is needed before it can be used in real life.

The development of multifunctional materials through sol-gel processing offers a powerful route for controlling composition, interfacial chemistry, and charge transport at the nanoscale. In this study, ErFeO3/Fe3O4/graphene oxide (GO) hybrid nanocomposites were synthesized via a green sol-gel auto-combustion method, employing kiwifruit extract as a natural chelating and reducing agent to promote homogeneous phase formation and reduced thermal budget. X-ray diffraction and spectroscopic analyses confirmed the successful crystallization of orthorhombic ErFeO3 and spinel Fe3O4 phases uniformly anchored on graphene oxide sheets, while electron microscopy and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) measurements revealed a hierarchically porous nanostructure with enhanced interfacial contact. Optical investigations using ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopy demonstrated extended visible-light absorption and reduced bandgap energy, attributed to the synergistic coupling between ferrite components and GO. Magnetic measurements confirmed superparamagnetic behavior, enabling facile catalyst recovery. Under visible-light irradiation, the optimized hybrid nanocomposite achieved 86.6

Polymer electrolytes are promising for future energy storage devices due to their safety, flexibility, and processability, but their low ionic conductivity remains a limitation. In this study, a chitosan (CS)-dextran (DN) blend electrolyte was modified with potassium thiocyanate (KSCN), TiO2 nanoparticles, and varying glycerol concentrations (9-45 wt.%) to enhance ionic conductivity. Five films (EV1-EV5) were prepared using solution casting and extensively characterized. X-ray diffraction confirmed a largely amorphous structure with reduced crystallinity at higher glycerol content, while FTIR verified strong molecular interactions and complexation among components. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) showed a remarkable decrease in resistance from 143.5 k Omega (EV1) to 60 Omega (EV5), resulting in a conductivity increase from 2.55 & times; 10- 8 to 7.00 & times; 10- 5 S cm- 1, an enhancement of about 2,750-fold. Dielectric analysis indicated higher permittivity and loss, consistent with enhanced ion dissociation and polarization. Moreover, relaxation time decreased from 26.11 to 0.288 & micro;s, with significant improvements in ionic mobility and diffusivity, evidencing faster ion transport. These findings highlight glycerol's role as an effective plasticizer in improving structural flexibility and electrochemical performance, establishing the CS-based electrolyte system as a strong candidate for next-generation solid-state energy storage applications.

ABSTRACT This study systematically examines the influence of glycerol (9–45 wt%) as a plasticizer on the structural, physicochemical, and electrochemical properties of chitosan–dextran–LiClO 4 –Al 2 O 3 nanocomposite polymer electrolytes prepared by solution casting. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy revealed a pronounced reduction in bulk resistance from 64,310 Ω to 160 Ω and an increase in ionic conductivity from 0.04 to 18.10 μS cm −1 (over 450‐fold). The relaxation time ( τ ) decreased from 1441.49 to 4.18 μs, indicating accelerated ion reorientation and enhanced charge‐carrier mobility at higher glycerol content. FTIR analysis evidences strong hydrogen‐bonding interactions among polymer hydroxyl/amine groups, Li + ions, and Al 2 O 3 nanoparticles, which promote salt dissociation and complex formation. Increasing glycerol content also elevated the dielectric constant ( ε ′) and dielectric loss ( ε ″), reflecting intensified dipolar and interfacial polarization and a higher mobile charge density. Glycerol augmented the amorphous fraction and segmental mobility, thereby facilitating ion transport. The optimized CS–Dextran–LiClO 4 –Al 2 O 3 –glycerol film demonstrates significantly improved ionic and dielectric performance, making it a promising solid polymer electrolyte for advanced electrochemical and energy‐storage applications.

Polymer electrolytes are gaining interest for the next generation energy storage systems due to their safety, flexibility, and process ability. However, their practical application is hampered by low ionic conductivity. This study created a chitosan (CS)-dextran (Dxn) blend solid polymer electrolyte containing sodium acetate (CH3COONa) and lead oxide (Pb3O4) nanoparticles, plasticized with variable glycerol concentrations (9–45 wt

This study employed a low-cost method to synthesize metal complexes (MCs) from two transition metals (Zn and Co) and incorporated them into a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) host polymer to enhance its structural, morphological, and optical properties, particularly the dispersive energy and optical bandgap. A casting method was used to form the composite films with average thickness of 0.13 mm. The synthesis of the two central MCs is based on green chemistry techniques, using green tea dyes and transition-metal salts to produce low-cost MCs. Various analytical techniques were used to investigate the structure and optical properties of the composite samples, including x-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopy. The XRD analysis and the dispersive energy and Urbach energy in UV–Vis spectroscopy confirmed that the pure PVA has a semicrystalline structure, whereas the composite films containing two central MCs are amorphous. The FTIR study indicated that the composite films exhibit decreased intensity and vibrational frequency due to electrostatic interactions between the PVA chains and MCs. Using FESEM, we assessed the composite film’s surfaces for roughness and phase separation. The optical absorbance analysis revealed substantial values for parameters such as the energy bandgap (Eg), charge carrier density, refractive index, dispersion energy (Ed), and various nonlinear parameters. The Ed decreased from 1.22 eV to 0.77 eV, providing information about density and coordination numbers. In addition, this study illustrates how several models and methodologies can precisely determine the optical bandgap, an essential parameter in photonics and optoelectronics. Doping 36 mL of ZnCoMC reduced Eg from 6.05 eV to 1.64 eV. The enhanced nonlinear refractive index, surface energy loss function (SELF), and volume energy loss function (VELF) in the composite demonstrate that the incorporation of ZnCoMC introduces distinct novel properties to the films. Evaluation of the figure of merit quantifies the optoelectronic synergy within the composite films, providing essential insights into their electronic band structure and overall performance.

This study investigates the effect of natural honey concentration on the structural, electrical, and electrochemical properties of methyl cellulose (MC)-based solid polymer electrolyte films doped with NH4SCN and plasticized with sorbitol. Sorbitol was selected as co-plasticizer due to its ability to enhance polymer flexibility and reduce crystallinity, while natural honey was introduced (at different concentrations (0 to 40 wt σ_DC ), reaching 6.87 × 10− 7 S·cm− 1 for 40 tan∅ ), with relaxation peaks shifting to higher frequencies, indicating faster ion dynamics. Electrical modulus and Argand plot analyses confirmed reduced relaxation times and suppressed electrode polarization, consistent with improved bulk transport. XRD deconvolution demonstrated a progressive decline in crystallinity from 39.73

This study examines the effects of glycerol as a plasticizer on the properties of CS-MC-Sorbitol-CH3COONa-TiO2 nanocomposite polymer electrolytes developed via solution casting. By adding glycerol at varying concentrations (8–40 wt

This study systematically investigates the effect of glycerol plasticization (9–45 wt

This study investigates how glycerol content affects the physicochemical, structural, and electrochemical aspects of chitosan-dextran-LiClO4-TiO2 nanocomposite polymer electrolyte. The electrolyte matrix included chitosan (60 wt

Solid polymer electrolytes based on methyl cellulose/polyethylene oxide (MC:PEO) blends are promising for electrochemical and optoelectronic applications; however, balancing ionic transport and optical performance remains challenging. This work investigates the effect of Melaleuca viminalis extract on the structural, electrical, dielectric, and optoelectronic properties of MC:PEO-LiNO3 polymer electrolytes. Films containing 15-25 wt.% LiNO3 and 0-30 wt.% extract were prepared by solution casting and characterized using XRD, FTIR, EIS, and UV-Vis spectroscopy. XRD confirmed semi-crystalline structures with crystallinity ranging from 28.13% to 41.33%, where 10 wt.% extract enhanced amorphization, while higher loading promoted partial recrystallization. FTIR analysis revealed intermolecular interactions involving O-H, C-O, and C=O groups and modifications in Li+ coordination. EIS results showed optimum conductivity at 10 wt.% extract, reaching 2.97 mu S cm(-1) (IKZ6) compared to 2.31 mu S cm(-1) for the undoped sample, whereas excessive extract increased bulk resistance up to 10,405 Omega and suppressed ion transport. Optical analysis demonstrated tunable bandgap behavior (4.95-2.90 eV), high transparency (88-99%), and epsilon ' > epsilon '', indicating stable dielectric characteristics. These findings demonstrate the concentration-dependent role of Melaleuca viminalis extract in tuning multifunctional polymer electrolyte properties.

High-performance solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) are needed for safe, low-cost energy storage. This study develops a chitosan (CS)–poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) blend SPE complexed with sodium thiocyanate (NaSCN) and supplemented with Al2O3 nanoparticles, plasticized by glycerol (10–50 wt

Polymer electrolytes are essential for advanced applications, particularly in the battery industry, due to their high ionic conductivity and improved material properties. This study enhances the ionic conductivity of a methylcellulose (MC) polymer matrix by incorporating glycerol as a plasticizer at varying concentrations (0, 9, 18, 27, and 36 wt.

Polymer electrolytes are crucial for advancing energy storage technologies but face challenges like low ionic conductivity and high crystallinity. This study explores methylcellulose (MC) electrolyte with 13

A series of chitosan-polyvinylpyrrolidone (CS-PVP) blend nanocomposite polymer electrolytes containing KNO3 salt and Al2O3 nanoparticles were prepared with varying glycerol plasticizer content to investigate their structural and electrical properties. X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns show that increasing glycerol disrupts the polymer crystallinity, as evidenced by broader diffraction peaks and a significant decrease in crystalline fraction. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy reveals that glycerol introduces new hydrogen-bonding interactions with the polymer and salt: the broad O-H stretching band (similar to 3300 cm-1) shifts and broadens with glycerol, reflecting altered polymer H-bonding, and shifts in amide and carbonyl regions confirm enhanced polymer-salt-plasticizer complexation. Impedance spectroscopy indicates a dramatic reduction in bulk resistance and an similar to 179-fold increase in room-temperature ionic conductivity, from (4.87 +/- 0.24) x10-9 to (8.70 +/- 0.43) x10-7 S/cm, with glycerol. Dielectric measurements show that both the dielectric constant (epsilon ') and loss (epsilon '') at low frequencies rise significantly with glycerol, reflecting increased space-charge polarization and ion mobility. Modulus analysis indicates suppressed electrode polarization and a transition from dual to single semicircles in the Cole-Cole plots with more glycerol. The pronounced improvements suggest that the glycerol-plasticized CS-PVP:KNO3:Al2O3 system is a promising candidate for potassium-ion solid-state battery electrolytes.