Tailoring optical and electrochemical spectroscopic characteristics of the PMMA-co-PAN/PPy-co-PANI copolymer–copolymer blend

Abstract

This study describes a novel blend of PMMA-co-PAN and PPy-co-PANI copolymers with improved optical, electrical, and electrochemical properties, which is intended for next-generation energy storage, sensors, and optoelectronic devices. The materials demonstrated enhanced charge transfer, decreased bandgap, and increased conductivity by adding 5%, 7.5%, and 10% PPy-co-PANI to PMMA-co-PAN. The successful blending and uniform dispersion with increased surface roughness were validated by structural and morphological investigations (FTIR, XRD, SEM). Light absorption was improved by the notable bandgap reduction from 3.91 eV to 3.63 eV, as shown by UV–Vis spectroscopy. P-type conduction was validated by Mott–Schottky analysis, which showed increasing carrier concentrations and decreased charge transfer resistance in EIS. DFT simulations confirmed the results, demonstrating a reduced HOMO–LUMO gap and better charge delocalization. This study demonstrates the synergistic advantages of copolymer–copolymer blending, providing a material platform that is versatile, scalable, and flexible. In order to meet the pressing societal demands for clean energy and smart device technologies, the findings aid in the creation of high-performance, sustainable materials for use in electronics and energy.