Structural, optical, and electrical Studies of cobalt oxide incorporated chitosan/poly(vinyl alcohol) composite films

Flexible, lightweight, and low-cost polymer-based materials are increasingly important for emerging electronic and optoelectronic technologies with reduced environmental impact. In this study, chitosan/poly(vinyl alcohol) (Cs/PVA) composite films incorporating different loadings of cobalt oxide (Co 3 O 4 ) were fabricated using a simple solution-casting method. The novelty of this work lies in the systematic correlation between Co 3 O 4 content and the combined structural, optical, dielectric, electric modulus, and electrical conductivity responses of Cs/PVA composite films. Structural and morphological features were analyzed using XRD, FTIR, and SEM, confirming the successful incorporation of Co 3 O 4 within the polymer matrix. Optical measurements revealed a gradual reduction in the indirect band gap and an increase in the Urbach energy with increasing Co 3 O 4 content, indicating the formation of localized states and enhanced light absorption. Dielectric studies demonstrated a significant enhancement in permittivity and dielectric loss at low frequencies due to interfacial and space-charge polarization, while electric modulus analysis revealed concentration-dependent relaxation behavior. In addition, electrical conductivity increased progressively with increasing Co 3 O 4 loading, reflecting improved charge-transport pathways. These findings demonstrate that Co 3 O 4 -loaded Cs/PVA composites are promising candidates for flexible dielectric devices, charge-storage components, sensors, and lightweight electronic systems. • Development of cobalt oxide (Co 3 O 4 ) loaded chitosan/poly(vinyl alcohol) (Cs/PVA) composite film. • Incorporating Co 3 O 4 produced notable structural and functional enhancements in the Cs/PVA matrix. • The electric modulus analysis further confirmed the presence of relaxation dynamics. • AC conductivity of the composite films increased steadily with frequency and with the amount of Co 3 O 4 . • Co 3 O 4 loading of Cs/PVA films is strong candidates for flexible electronics, dielectric components, sensors, and energy-related applications.