The starting stoichiometry, keys parameter to enhance the intrinsic microstructural and functional properties of synthesized hybrid nanocomposites chitosan/Na-montmorillonite/ZnO nanoparticlest type

To improve the intrinsic qualities of hybrid nanocomposite (NC), polymer, clay, and metallic oxide are combined. This study investigates the effects of starting stoichiometry variation on the microstructural and functional properties of synthesized hybrid NC composed of chitosan (CTS), Na-montmorillonite (MMT), and ZnO nanoparticles (NPs). To carry out the synthesized process, a solution blending approach is used. A correlation of the outcomes from the several analyses methods such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform InfraRed spectroscopy (FTIR), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Impedance spectroscopy (IS), and UV–VIS spectrophotometry ensures the accuracy of the analysis. Regardless of the initial stoichiometry rate, the microstructural analysis shows that NC can be successfully synthesized. The growth and changes in the intensity and sharpness of the characteristic reflections shown by the semiquantitative XRD analysis suggest that the synthesis process was certainly successful. The apparent structure aberration, caused by the stoichiometry fluctuation, is manifested as an XRD reflection position shift and varied intensity strength. The intercalation process and the exfoliation of "clay-particles" enclosing the organic fraction, according to TEM/EDX experiments, occurred as the clayey fraction's abundance surged. Despite the variable ratio approved at the start of the synthesis process, FTIR spectroscopy displays the polymer fraction's characteristic absorption bands. Synthesized NC has significant UV blocking properties while retaining good transparency in the visible range. This behavior may have its roots throughout the fact that the CS surface modification has induced the bandgap energy fluctuation of ZnO NPs. The photocatalytic activity of the produced NC is evaluated using MB degradation measurements. The outcomes are extremely positive for the sample with a starting stoichiometry almost equally distributed between CTS and ZnO (NPs). Results from the IS, for the selected sample, shows that synthesized NC exhibits semiconductor behavior,and as a dielectric material, the sample is dispersive with a power loss over a specific frequency range.