Studies of the Impact of UV on CMC PVA/ZnO Nanocomposite Films Prepared with a Simple Solution Casting Method

Abstract

The synthesis of nanocomposite films comprising carboxymethyl cellulose/ polyvinyl alcohol (CMC PVA) mixed with zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) through a simple solution casting method is examined. Furthermore, the impact of ZnO NPs and UV‑irradiation exposure for varying durations (20,45,75h) on the morphology (FE-SEM) is investigated. The X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy are utilized to analyze the as-prepared films. Furthermore, the field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) images reveal a noticeable change in the morphology of CMC PVA/ZnO nanocomposite films attributed to the significant impact of ZnO nanoparticles and UV exposure. The XRD spectra demonstrate a modification in the amorphous phase of the samples as a result of UV exposure The FTIR analysis reveals that the exposure to UV radiation positively influenced the polymer's structure, as evidenced by notable changes in the infrared peaks. Additionally, the UV-Vis spectroscopy results indicate that longer UV exposure times (75 hours) and the addition of ZnO nanoparticles resulted in improved absorption characteristics within the produced films. The nanocomposite films displayed an adjustable energy gap (Eg) that varied between (4.52 eV and 4.55 eV) as the duration of UV irradiation increased from (20 hours) (75 hours) led to a reduction in the energy gap (Eg) value to (4.50 eV). This phenomenon is believed to be caused by the substantial influence of UV radiation on the development of structural defects. Ultimately, the Energy gap Eg of the nanocomposite films was influenced by the duration of UV. The results demonstrate that there is significant potential for the utilization of CMC/PVA/ZnO nanocomposite films in various crucial optoelectronic applications.

Keywords

• CMC/PVA/ZnO
• Nanocomposites Properties
• ZnO Nanoparticles
• Energy Gap
• UV irradiation
• X-ray