Structure–Property Relationships in PVDF/SrTiO3/CNT Nanocomposites for Optoelectronic and Solar Cell Applications

Abstract

The optical properties of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) polymer nanocomposite films incorporating SrTiO3/carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as nanofillers are investigated. PVDF/SrTiO3/CNTs films were prepared by the solution casting technique. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses confirmed the incorporation of SrTiO3/CNTs into the PVDF matrix. The addition of nanofillers influenced the crystalline structure, morphology, and optical properties of the films. SEM images showed spherulite morphology, which is a spherical aggregate of crystalline polymer chains. The addition of a SrTiO3/CNTs nanofiller modified the polymer’s electronic structure, causing a variation in the energy gap. The addition of SrTiO3/CNTs at 0.1 wt% increased the band gap, refractive index, and nonlinear optical properties of the PVDF films. These improvements indicate the potential of these nanocomposite films in optoelectronic applications such as solar cells, image sensors, and organic light-emitting diodes.

Tuning the band gap, optical, mechanical, and electrical features of a bio-blend by Cr2O3/V2O5 nanofillers for optoelectronics and energy applications

“…In contrast, loading 0.1 wt% SrTiO 3 /carbon nanotubes widened the E d g ( E i g ) of the polyvinylidene from 5.56 (5.27) eV to 5.70 (5.50) eV. Further increase in the filler level to 0.7 wt% decreased E d g ( E i g ) of the polymer to 5.53 (5.3) eV 5 . These observations make it possible to tune or engineer the E d g and E i g for various optoelectronic and electrochemical applications such as photocatalysis, solar cells, and sensors.…”

“…Loading NPs induces modifications in the blend's electronic structure and energy gap. Therefore, the resulted nanocomposites can be used as multifunctional materials for advanced technological applications such as optoelectronic devices, solar cells, light-emitting (organic) diodes, memory devices, image sensors, electrochemical, and energy-related uses 1,3,5 .The chemical versatility of carboxymethylcellulose (CMC, also known as cellulose gum) arises because it is a basic cellulose derivative that consists of Na carboxymethyl (CH 2 COONa) attached to a polysaccharide (cellulose) backbone 4,6 . CMC is semi-crystalline ionic-type cellulose ether, an environmentally friendly, biodegradable, and inexpensive polymer extract from the fibrous tissue of plants, fruit, and vegetable-based wastes 7,8 .…”

“…Loading NPs induces modifications in the blend's electronic structure and energy gap. Therefore, the resulted nanocomposites can be used as multifunctional materials for advanced technological applications such as optoelectronic devices, solar cells, light-emitting (organic) diodes, memory devices, image sensors, electrochemical, and energy-related uses 1,3,5 .…”

A Comprehensive Study of Structural, Thermal, and Dielectric Properties of Melt-Processed Polypropylene/Ni0.9Zn0.1Fe2O4 Nanocomposites

“…The thermal conductivity of polymer nanocomposites can be increased by the addition of nanoparticles with high thermal conductivity, such as graphene, carbon nanotubes, or metal particles. Surprisingly, even small amounts of nanofillers can revolutionize the properties of polymer composites compared to pure polymer [5][6][7][8][9]. Therefore, polymer nanocomposites have found wide application in many fields, including electromagnetic shielding, charge storage capacitors, microwave absorbers [10][11][12], EM detectors [13], optical integrated circuits, sensors, medical devices, aerospace, packaging materials, consumer goods, and so on [14].…”

Structural, Optical, and Thermal Properties of PVA/SrTiO3/CNT Polymer Nanocomposites

“…CNTs are sheets of graphene formed into tubes which are widely used for structural enhancements. CNTs are hundred-folds stronger than steel [16,17]. The inclusion of SrTiO 3 into PVA can cause photon scattering.…”