Structural, morphological, and improved dielectric properties of PbZr_0.52Ti_0.48O₃ nanoparticles/polycarbonate composites synthesized by using sol–gel method

In this work, the PbZr_0.52Ti_0.48O₃ (PZT) nanocrystalline particles were effectively produced using the sol–gel method and then integrated into polycarbonate (PC) to create composites with various PZT concentrations. The produced PZT particles, PC, and PC/PZT composites were evaluated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV–Vis), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques. XRD and FTIR investigations verified the development of perovskite PZT nanoparticles free of the pyrochlore phase at 700 °C, with a tetragonal structure and an average crystallite size of PZT nanoparticle is about 56 nm. The XRD pattern revealed its amorphous structure, while the FTIR spectra indicated the presence of C–H, C–O, C[dbnd]C, and C[dbnd]O bonds. FTIR spectra showed metal-oxide bonds between 400–800 cm⁻¹, while UV–Vis examination revealed a band gap energy of 2.7 eV. SEM images revealed aggregation among spherical PZT particles. SEM images revealed strong adherence and aggregation of PZT particles within the polymer matrix. The dielectric characteristics of the PC/PZT composites improved with increasing PZT concentrations. The improved interfacial mechanism in ceramic-polymer composites can be used to obtain high dielectric constants.