Enhancement of the optical properties of PVP using Zn1-xSnxS for UV-region optical applications

The optical properties of polyvinylpyrrolidine (PVP) polymer have been enhanced using ternary Zn1-xSnxS as a filler for UV-region optical applications. Solution casting technique is used to prepare different Sn molar ratios (x: 0-0.3) in Zn1-xSnxS filled PVP polymeric composite films (1.0 wt.%). SEM, FT-IR and UV-visible-NIR spectrophotometry is utilized to characterize the optical properties of the plain PVP and polymeric composite films. SEM images reveal the homogeneous dispersion of the filler (Zn1-xSnxS) in the host PVP matrix. The FT-IR spectroscopic measurements ensure the successful interaction of ternary Zn1-xSnxS material and the host PVP polymer. The cut off transmittance edge is shifted from 260 nm (host PVP) to 390 nm (polymeric composite). The direct optical energy bandgap of the prepared polymeric composite films are shifted from 4.78 eV (plain PVP) to 3.45 eV for Zn0.7Sn0.3S polymeric composite film. An enhancement of the refractive index (n) and the optical conductivity (sigma (opt.)) of the polymeric composite films is achieved as compared with those of the plain one. The single oscillator (E-0) and dispersion (E-d) energies of the polymeric composite films were determined using Wemple and DiDomenico (WDD) model. The prepared polymeric composite films are strongly recommended for UV-region optical applications.

Automated summary

In this study, the optical properties of PVP polymer were enhanced by using ternary Zn1-xSnxS as filler for UV-region optical applications. The prepared polymeric composite films showed improved refractive index and optical conductivity compared to the plain PVP, making them suitable for UV-region optical applications. The interaction between Zn1-xSnxS material and PVP polymer was successful, resulting in a shift in the direct optical energy bandgap and cut off transmittance edge in the polymeric composite films.