The choice of metal oxide as a dopant in a polymer matrix depends on the desired electrical conductivity, as well as other factors such as cost, availability, and compatibility with the polymer.
Some of the most commonly used metal oxides as dopants for electrical conductivity in polymers include:
1. Zinc oxide (ZnO): ZnO is a widely used metal oxide in polymer nanocomposites due to its high electrical conductivity, stability, and low cost. It has been shown to significantly improve the electrical conductivity of polymers, such as polyethylene, polystyrene, and polyvinylidene fluoride.
2. Titanium dioxide (TiO2): TiO2 is another commonly used metal oxide in polymer nanocomposites due to its high conductivity, stability, and low toxicity. It has been used to improve the electrical conductivity of various polymers, including polycarbonate, polyethylene, and polypropylene.
3. Iron oxide (Fe2O3): Fe2O3 is a promising dopant for enhancing the electrical conductivity of polymers due to its high conductivity and low cost. It has been shown to improve the electrical conductivity of polymers, such as polyaniline and polypyrrole.
4. Copper oxide (CuO): CuO is a highly conductive metal oxide that has been used as a dopant in polymers to enhance their electrical conductivity. It has been shown to improve the electrical conductivity of polymers such as polyethylene, polystyrene, and polypropylene.
5. Indium tin oxide (ITO): ITO is a widely used dopant for enhancing the electrical conductivity of polymers due to its high conductivity, transparency, and stability. It has been used to improve the electrical conductivity of various polymers, including polyethylene, polystyrene, and polyvinyl alcohol.
It's worth noting that the effectiveness of a metal oxide dopant can depend on various factors such as the concentration of the dopant, the processing conditions, and the specific polymer matrix being used. Therefore, it's important to evaluate the performance of different metal oxide dopants in a specific polymer matrix before selecting the optimal dopant for a particular application.
Sure, here are some references related to metal oxide doping in polymers for improved electrical conductivity:
1. A review on metal oxide/polymer nanocomposites as promising thermoelectric materials: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1369702119316483
2. The effects of metal oxide nanoparticles on the electrical conductivity of polymer composites: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352431618307419
3. Synthesis and characterization of ZnO nanoparticles-doped PVA for enhanced electrical conductivity: https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1757-899X/547/1/012011/meta
4. Enhanced electrical conductivity of poly(vinylidene fluoride)/ZnO nanocomposites by surface functionalization of ZnO nanoparticles: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0032386119311712
5. Electrical conductivity improvement of polystyrene-based nanocomposites through the incorporation of modified ZnO nanoparticles: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1359836816308967