Optical properties of functional Al2O3 nano-filler in eco-friendly PVA polymer for flexible optoelectronic devices

This article has attempted to establish eco-friendly organic PVA/Al2O3 nanocomposite membranes and estimate the effectiveness of different additives (1, 2, and 3 wt%) of alumina (Al2O3) nano-filler in PVA matrix on their structural and optical properties for establishing their suitability in photonic applications. Al2O3 nano-filler dispersed in the PVA matrix has been synthesized via the solvent casting technique. The structure of synthesized PVA/Al2O3 nanocomposite membranes has been characterized by Fourier transform-infrared (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Upon introducing the Al2O3 nano-filler in the PVA matrix, the self-hydrogen bonding between the PVA chains was weakened while hydrogen bonding with Al2O3 was generated. In addition, optical, dielectric, and dispersion analysis suggested that even though the Al2O3 nano-filler in PVA/Al2O3 nanocomposite membranes aided in regularly folding the PVA polymer chains. Moreover, formed new structural defects, disorders, and impurities can be used for tuning the PVA/Al2O3 nanocomposites for optoelectronic applications and for making efficient absorbents for environmental treatments.

Automated summary

This article aimed to develop eco-friendly organic PVA/Al2O3 nanocomposite membranes and evaluate the impact of different levels (1, 2, and 3 wt%) of alumina (Al2O3) nano-filler on their structural and optical properties for photonic applications. The dispersion of Al2O3 nano-filler in PVA matrix was achieved through solvent casting technique. The synthesized PVA/Al2O3 nanocomposite membranes were characterized using FTIR, Raman spectroscopy, and XRD. It was found that the introduction of Al2O3 nano-filler weakened the hydrogen bonding between PVA chains and generated hydrogen bonding with Al2O3, leading to the folding of PVA polymer chains and the formation of new structural defects and impurities, which can be utilized for optoelectronic applications and environmental treatments.