Polymer nanocomposites: Interfacial properties and capacitive energy storage

An in-depth review is presented on the interfacial phenomena of polymer nanocomposites and the role of the interface/interphase in capacitive energy storage. The interaction between polymer chains and nanofillers upon filler dispersion and glass transition temperature are discussed through the lens of the adsorbed layer or polymer-grafted nanoparticles. Moreover, fundamentals of dielectric physics are discussed regarding charge transport and charge entrapment on the interface, yielding the phenomenon of interfacial polarization. Therefore, the aim of this review is to inform the readers on the importance of the interface and highlight that both polymer chain dynamics and charge transport points of view are pivotal in the understanding of modern polymer nanodielectrics.