The sol-gel technique was adopted to synthesize the zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles. Nano-sized ZnO particles are embedded in-situ to the poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) matrix to form the nanocomposite polymeric membranes. The nanocomposite membranes were fabricated by varying concentration of ZnO nanoparticles of 2.5, 5, and 10 wt.% in the base PVA membrane matrix. The membranes were crosslinked using tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) followed by hydrolysis and co-condensation. Immersion in a 2 molar sulphuric acid (H2SO4) bath produced sulfonated membranes. The membranes were characterized using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The fabricated nano-composite membranes are being evaluated for proton exchange membrane fuel cell research (PEMFC). The computed test results demonstrate that increasing the concentration of ZnO in the membrane increased the ionic exchange capacity and proton conductivity efficiency of the nano-composite membranes. The incorporation of a quantum quantity of ZnO particles in the membrane improved the presentation in terms of proton conductivity characteristics. Membranes demonstrated excellent proton conductivity (10−2 S cm−1 range) while consuming less hydrogen gas. The highest measured proton conductivity is observed for 10 wt.% ZnO embedded PVA membrane and the value is 15.321 × 10−2 S cm−1 for 100% RH. The combination of ZnO and PVA nanocomposite membrane is a novel, next-generation eco-friendly method that is economical and convenient for large-scale commercial production in fuel cell applications.
BackgroundMost food packaging materials are non‐biodegradable and do not protect against microbial growth. In the present study, we have synthesized and characterized environmentally friendly packaging material using nanotechnology.ObjectiveCascabela thevetia incorporated zinc nanoparticles and PVP/KC blended films of various ratios were synthesized using the solvent casting method. The nanoparticles were tested for their physical and chemical properties. The antimicrobial activity of films and an in vivo toxicity studies were performed using Drosophila as a model system.ResultsThe thickness of blend films increases as the concentration of nanoparticles is enhanced. The UV–visible spectra of prepared ZnO nanoparticles exhibited maximum absorbance wavelength (λmax) at 360–380 nm. The nanocomposite films' TS and EB and Y were also increased. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis suggested that all the films were homogenous, crack‐free, and possessed continuous bubble‐free surfaces. FT‐IR results showed chemical interaction between PVP/KC and Zinc oxide nanoparticles. Fifth sample showed greater antibacterial activity. A toxicity study showed that the flies survived >92% in all the samples up to 10 days of continuous feeding, which signifies that the material has low toxicity.ConclusionNanocomposite films can be used as antimicrobial food packaging material to enhance the shelf‐life of food.
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