Synthesis and characterization of yttrium iron oxide/PPy nanocomposites for supercapacitor application by chemical oxidative polymerization method

ABSTRACT

Polypyrrole (PPy)/Yttrium Iron oxide (YIG) nanocomposite was synthesized by the chemical oxidation polymerization method. Yttrium iron oxide is also known as iron yttrium oxide or yttrium iron garnet denoted as YIG (Y₃Fe₅O₁₂). YIG is a familiar material among the rare earth garnets and is also commonly used in electronic devices. Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy analysis reveals the strong interaction between PPy and YIG nanoparticles. The crystal structure for the PPy and PPy nanocomposites is observed by X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and the average crystalline size calculated by Scherrer’s formula for PPy/n-YIG is 27.47 nm. Surface morphology of the samples identified by scanning electron microscopy. Optical properties were studied by UV–Vis spectroscopy. From the 2-probe method, AC electrical conductivity for n-YIGPPy is found to be 1.05 × 10⁻⁵ S/cm, higher than that of the polypyrrole. The electrochemical performance of PPy and YIG/PPy nanocomposites was observed by cyclic voltammetry (CV). The combination of optical, electrical properties of YIG/PPy nanocomposites suits supercapacitor applications.

Graphical abstract

KEYWORDS:

• CV
• electrical conductivity
• FT-IR
• XRD
• yttrium iron garnet PPy nanocomposite

Acknowledgments

One of the authors is thankful to CSIR New Delhi for funding the major research project in this field. The authors are thankful to the FIST lab, Periyar University, Salem for the FT-IR and Two probe Analyses. Also, the author thanks the Department of Physics, CGC, Anna University, IIT, SAIF, Chennai, and St. Joseph College, Trichy for providing the XRD, UV-Vis, FT-Raman, SEM-EDX, and CV facilities, respectively.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

M Vinitha

Dr. M. Vinitha is a Post Doctoral Fellow in Department of Physics, AMET University, Kanathur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. Her research focuses on conducting polymers, nanomaterials, and energy storage applications.

G Velraj

Dr. G. Velraj is a Professor in Department of Physics, CEG campus, Anna University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. His areas of specialization include conducting polymers, ultrasonics, archaeomagnetism, and spectroscopy. He is currently mentoring several students in similar areas.