Influence of nanoscale NiO on magnetic and electrochemical behavior of PVDF-based polymer nanocomposites

Abstract

New poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF)/NiO-based polymer nanocomposites were prepared by phase inversion method, using dimethyl formamide as solvent and deionized water as non-solvent. The structure and porous morphology of the membranes were studied by field emission scanning electron microscopy. The presence of NiO resulted in overall decrease in porosity and crystallinity of the nanocomposite membranes. Using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, a maximum ionic conductivity of 1.08 × 10 -3 S cm -1 was obtained for PVDF membrane with 1 wt% content of NiO. The good efficiency of conductivity observed in the membrane was explained on the basis of decrease in crystallinity and movement of charge carriers in NiO structure. The magnetization of nanocomposite membranes gradually increased with increase in NiO content. © 2011 Springer-Verlag.