Developing solid polymer electrolytes-based Nd3+/V2O5/ethyl cellulose for optoelectronic devices

Solid electrolytes based on biopolymer nanocomposites have gained increased interest in modern applications in environment-friendly optoelectronics, energy storage, and food and pharmaceutical industries. In this study, films of V₂O₅-doped ethyl cellulose (EC) modified with NdCl₃ were prepared by facile solution casting and investigated for their structural, thermal, IV characteristics, and optical properties. X-ray diffraction revealed the semicrystalline nature of EC and confirmed the incorporation of V₂O₅ nanoparticles (NP) inside the polymer matrix. Fourier transform infrared spectra indicated the interaction/complexation between the fillers and the EC reactive groups. Scanning electron microscopy showed the uniform distribution of NP and investigated the morphology of the films’ surface and cross-section. The thermal analyses were used to study the impact of V₂O₅ NP and NdCl₃ on the films' stability and transition temperatures. Non-linear IV characteristic curves were recorded, and the films displayed non-ohmic behavior. The optical analyses (UV-Vis-NIR) showed that EC is highly transparent (~ 92%), which decreased with doping. The bandgap of the films shrank from ~ 5.2 eV to 4.8 eV upon 1.0 wt % V₂O₅ NP doping and then reduced to 3.5 eV when modified with NdCl₃. The effect of fillers on the optical parameters (the extinction coefficient, refractive index, optical conductivity, and optical dielectric loss) are reported. The results indicate that the prepared materials are the best candidates for optoelectronic applications, and devices work at room temperature and elevated temperatures.