Structural, electrical and optical properties of silane-modified ZnO reinforced PMMA matrix and its catalytic activities

3-Methacryloxy propyl trimethoxy silane (KH-570) modified zinc oxide (mZnO) reinforced poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) nanocomposite was synthesized via in-situ polymerization technique. The structural and optical properties of ZnO reinforced PMMA matrix were examined through X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, field effect scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and UV-vis spectroscopy. The energy storage capacity was estimated through dielectric permittivity and dielectric loss measurement using broadband dielectric spectroscopy. The electrochemical performance was examined through CV and SWV techniques. FESEM images revealed homogeneous dispersion of mZnO into PMMA matrix. The PMMA-mZnO nanocomposite showed maximum absorption in the UV-region (200 nm-280 nm). The incorporation of mZnO into the host polymeric PMMA matrix significantly improved the dielectric constant (epsilon' = 81) as compared to unmodified ZnO (epsilon' = 10). Further, it markedly contributed to the electrochemical response and improved their catalytic activities as well. These results lead to the understanding that the PMMA-mZnO nanocomposite is a successful candidate for the fabrication of energy storage devices. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All-rights reserved.