A simple solution casting technique was used to fabricate
perovskite
strontium titanate (SrTiO3)-loaded poly(vinylidenefluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF–HFP) nanocomposite
films for efficient energy storage applications. Various microscopic
and spectroscopic methods were used to study the characteristics of
the polymer nanocomposite films, like Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy
(FTIR), X-ray diffraction technique (XRD), field emission scanning
electron microscopy (FESEM), ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy,
thermogravimetric analysis, and mechanical tensile test (stress vs
strain). The FTIR, XRD, and FESEM analyses confirmed the incorporation
and proper dispersion of SrTiO3 nanoparticles in the PVDF–HFP
polymer matrix. An improvement in the optical, thermal, and mechanical
behavior of the nanocomposite film was observed compared to the pure
polymer. The values of dielectric constant, loss tangent, and AC conductivity
of pure PVDF–HFP polymer and PVDF–HFP/SrTiO3 nanocomposites (2, 6, and 10 wt % SrTiO3 loadings) were
analyzed in a temperature and frequency span of 30–150 °C
and 1–100 kHz, respectively. To better understand the electrical
properties of the materials, Nyquist plots were generated, and their
related circuit designs were fitted. The 2 wt % SrTiO3 loaded
nanocomposite exhibited the highest dielectric enhancement and AC
conductivity compared to higher filler-loaded nanocomposites. This
exceptional dielectric enhancement at very small filler loading is
beneficial for commercialization and economically viable for real-time
applications.