Novel approach to enhance the optical and electrical properties of polymer electrolytes using phenol red dye

Abstract

AbstractThis article comprehensively analyzes how phenol red dye affects the optical, structural, and electrical properties of sodium bromide‐doped polymer electrolyte films based on sodium carboxymethyl cellulose. Conventional solution casting technique has been employed to prepare the electrolytes. The optical analysis reveals that incorporating the phenol red dye improves the optical properties. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy is used to study the kind of complexation between the polymer and dopants. Scanning electron microscope micrographs of the electrolytes indicate the acquisition of free volume on the surface of the polymer matrix. The electrical properties are studied using impedance analyzer, which shows that the ionic conductivity increases when the dye is incorporated. The electrolyte system incorporated with 0.25 wt% of the dye exhibits the highest conductivity among the other systems. Photoluminescence investigation demonstrates that doping increases the intensity of the photoluminescence emission as it minimizes the free volume size. Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage (CIE) chromatograph studies indicate that the doped samples emit a yellow color with a color purity of 97%. All in all, the findings imply that adding dye to the polymer matrix increases the electrical and visual characteristics of the polymer electrolyte.Highlights Phenol red dye improves the optical properties of sodium carboxymethyl cellulose‐based polymer electrolytes. Scanning electron microscope micrographs reveal the creation of free volume on the surface of electrolyte films. Analysis of electrical properties shows a slight increase in ionic conductivity with dye incorporation. Photoluminescence intensity increases with dye due to reduced free volume size. Doped samples emit 97% purity yellow enhancing electrical and optical properties.