Synthesis and Characterization of ZnSnO₃/PVP Composite Nanofibers for Flexible Electronics and Energy-Harvesting Applications

Abstract

ZnSnO₃ nanoparticles were successfully synthesized via a chemical precipitation method employing zinc chloride (ZnCl₂) and tin(IV) chloride pentahydrate (SnCl₄·5H₂O) as precursor materials. The precipitate was washed, dried, and calcined at 500 °C to enhance crystallinity and ensure stable phase formation. The synthesized nanoparticles were subsequently incorporated into a polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) matrix to fabricate flexible composite nanofibers through electrospinning. This technique facilitated the formation of continuous, bead-free nanofibers with uniform morphology, demonstrating suitability for flexible electronic applications. The combination of inorganic ZnSnO₃ nanoparticles with an organic polymer matrix offers a synergistic pathway to enhance both mechanical flexibility and functional performance. Structural analysis using X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed the crystalline nature of ZnSnO₃, with no distinct peaks corresponding to the amorphous PVP phase. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy revealed characteristic absorption bands of Zn–O and Sn–O stretching vibrations, along with identifiable peaks of PVP, indicating strong interfacial interactions between the nanoparticles and the polymer chains. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) images showed smooth nanofibers with diameters ranging from 200 to 400 nm, exhibiting excellent dispersion of nanoparticles without visible agglomeration. These results validate the successful synthesis and integration of ZnSnO₃ within a flexible polymer nanofiber network. The resulting ZnSnO₃/PVP composite exhibits promising structural and morphological features, making it a potential candidate for applications in flexible electronics, nanosensors, and energy-harvesting devices.