Optical characterization of different oxide nanomaterials dispersed PVA/PEO blend matrix-based hybrid polymer nanocomposites for advances in optoelectronic device technologies

Optical properties of different oxide nanomaterials (viz. zinc oxide (ZnO), tin oxide (SnO2), silica (SiO2), and alumina (Al2O3)) as nanofillers (NFs) and a host polymer matrix of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)/poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) blend based hybrid polymer nanocomposites (HPNCs) have been investigated by employing ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy. The UV-Vis absorbance spectra over the photons wavelength range 200-800 nm, and the absorption coefficient, energy bandgap, and Urbach energy of the PVA/PEO/NFs HPNC films are determined and reported. The dependence of the optical characteristics of these HPNCs on the type of oxide nanofillers and their concentration have been studied which is found correlated with the optical properties of the nanofillers. Considering the results, suitability of PVA/PEO/NFs materials as potential candidates for UV-shielder, light diffuser, bandgap tuner, and photo-sensor/detector in the design and evolution of various flexible-type optoelectronic devices/components have been discussed.