The effect of gamma irradiation on structural, optical, and dispersion properties of PVA/Zn0.5Co0.4Ag0.2Fe2O4 nanocomposite films

Herein, this work aims to unveil the influence of gamma irradiation with different doses on structural, optical, and dispersion properties of PVA/Zn0.5Co0.4Ag0.2Fe2O4 nanocomposite films. The Zn0.5Co0.4Ag0.2Fe2O4 nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized via the sol-gel method and PVA/Zn0.5Co0.4Ag0.2Fe2O4 nanocomposite films were assembled via the solution casting technique. The XRD patterns proved the successful preparation of PVA/Zn0.5Co0.4Ag0.2Fe2O4 nanocomposite films. Also, the EDX and FTIR spectra confirmed the elemental composition and functional groups of the pristine and irradiated PVA/Zn0.5Co0.4Ag0.2Fe2O4 nanocomposite films. The energy gap decreases by increasing the irradiation doses of 25 to 50 kGy and then increases at the irradiation dose of 75 kGy, indicating that the gamma radiation induces the PVA/Zn0.5Co0.4Ag0.2Fe2O4 nanocomposite films to degradation. Also, the Urbach's energy increases from 3.37 eV for pristine PVA/Zn0.5Co0.4Ag0.2Fe2O4 nanocomposite film to 5.46 eV in the irradiated PVA/Zn0.5Co0.4Ag0.2Fe2O4 nanocomposite film with 25 kGy. Besides, a noticeable effect of gamma-irradiation on the oscillator energy and the dispersion energy has been detected. Further, the static dielectric constant decrease with the increase in the gamma irradiation doses. Furthermore, the volume and surface loss energies were increased with the increase in the dose of radiation. Overall, the optical and dispersion properties of irradiated PVA/Zn0.5Co0.4Ag0.2Fe2O4 nanocomposite films make them suitable materials for optoelectronic devices and in photocatalytic applications.

Automated summary

The influence of gamma irradiation on PVA/Zn0.5Co0.4Ag0.2Fe2O4 nanocomposite films was investigated, revealing changes in structural, optical, and dispersion properties. Increasing irradiation doses led to changes in energy gap and Urbach's energy, while also affecting oscillator energy and dielectric constant. Overall, the irradiated films exhibited potential for optoelectronic devices and photocatalytic applications.