Structural, optical, and dielectric characteristics of chitosan/hydroxypropyl cellulose‐modified copper vanadate nanoparticles

Abstract Chitosan (Cs) and hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) blend films were created and incorporated with copper vanadate nanoparticles. The films were characterized using various techniques, including x‐ray diffraction (XRD), attenuated total reflectance‐Fourier transform infrared (ATR‐FTIR), TEM, SEM, UV/vis spectroscopy, dielectric properties, and AC conductivity. The XRD analysis showed that the prepared films had amorphous characteristics. FT‐IR spectra indicated interactions between the Cs/HPC virgin polymers and copper vanadate nanoparticles. TEM analysis showed that the most prevalent size range of the nanoparticles was 20–60 nm. SEM micrographs revealed surface homogeneity at lower copper vanadate nanoparticle contents but increased inhomogeneity with higher contents. The prepared films showed a decrease in the optical energy gap and an increase in refractive index with increasing copper vanadate nanoparticle content. Copper vanadate nanoparticles enhance AC conductivity in Cs/HPC polymer blend. Dielectric analysis proved the suitability of the films for electroactive polymer applications. Highlights The casting process was used to prepare Cs/HPC—copper vanadate NPs films. XRD shows increased amorphousness post‐addition of copper vanadate NPs. SEM images revealed an increase in inhomogeneity with higher contents of copper vanadate NPs. The optical band gap decreased as the content of copper vanadate NPs increased. Copper vanadate nanoparticles greatly improve electrical conductivity and relaxation time.