Exploring the potential of V ₂ O ₅ -modified PVA/CMC nanocomposites as functional materials for energy storage applications

This study explores the potential of vanadium pentoxide (V₂O₅)-modified polyvinyl alcohol/carboxymethyl cellulose (PVA/CMC) nanocomposites as advanced materials for energy storage. By incorporating V₂O₅ nanoparticles (0-0.08 wt%) into PVA/CMC blends, to achieve significant enhancements in optical and electrical properties, critical for next-generation energy devices. Key breakthroughs include: A tunable optical bandgap (reduced from 4.1 eV to 3.2 eV) and near-complete UV-blocking capability (transmittance dropped from 90.88% to 7.26%), enabling tailored light absorption for optoelectronic applications. A 40% improvement in electrical conductivity at optimal V₂O₅ loading, coupled with an 11-fold increase in dielectric constant (0.07 to 8.21), demonstrates superior charge storage capacity. Structural modifications, revealed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR), confirmed strong interfacial interactions between V₂O₅ and the polymer matrix, facilitating efficient charge transport. The nanocomposites’ ability to combine high dielectric performance with optical tunability positions them as promising candidates for flexible electronics, supercapacitors, and smart coatings. This work provides a scalable synthesis strategy and fundamental insights into designing polymer nanocomposites with tailored functionalities, bridging the gap between laboratory research and industrial energy applications.