Abstract
Abstract
This study investigates the structural, electrical, and optical properties of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and Titanium Dioxide(TiO2) NC films. The PVA-TiO2 NC films were prepared using a simple solution casting method, with varying concentrations of TiO2 nanoparticles. The structural analysis revealed the incorporation of TiO2 nanoparticles into the PVA matrix, resulting in a uniform dispersion and improved crystallinity. SEM micrographs demonstrated the uniform dispersion of TiO2 nanoparticles in the PVA matrix. FTIR spectroscopy indicated interaction between TiO2 nanoparticles and the PVA matrix through -OH functional groups. The electrical properties were assessed through DC electrical conductivity studies, which showed an increase in conductivity with increasing TiO2 concentration. The optical properties were characterized using UV-Vis spectroscopy, indicating a significant enhancement in the absorption and transmittance properties of the films with the incorporation of TiO2 nanoparticles. A significant peak of absorption was observed at a wavelength of 225 nm for the nanocomposite films incorporating 8.0 wt.% TiO2 into PVA. The incorporation of 8.0 wt.% TiO2 NPs in PVA polymer led to notable alterations in the direct bandgap, with a decrease from 6.09 eV to 5.28 eV, as well as in the indirect bandgap, with a decrease from 5.53 eV to 4.64 eV. Additionally, the Urbach energy decreased from 0.82 eV to 0.548 eV. Among the samples, the one with 8.0 wt.% TiO2 exhibited the highest DC electrical conductivity at 338 K, measuring 5.59x10−13 Scm−1, and at 393 K, measuring 4.01x10−8 Scm−1. The PVA-TiO2 NC films exhibited excellent potential for applications in optoelectronic devices due to their enhanced electrical and optical properties. UV-Vis spectroscopic studies revealed that these nanocomposites can be utilized in UV-shielding and optoelectronics devices. There is significant room for further study of these materials for potential applications.