Thermal and photochemical effects on the structure,morphology, thermal and optical properties of PVA/Ni0.04Zn0.96O and PVA/Fe0.03Zn0.97O nanocomposite films

Ni_0.04Zn_0.96O and Fe_0.03Zn_0.97O with average diameter of 23 and 19 nm, respectively, have been synthesized by a modified sol–gel method to be used in the preparation of (100 − x)/x poly(vinyl alcohol)/oxide nanocomposite films, with x = 0, 1, 3 and 5 (in wt.%). A 125 W-Hg vapor lamp with emission above 254 nmwas used to irradiate PVA/Ni_0.04Zn_0.96O and PVA/Fe_0.03Zn_0.97O films. The effect on their structural, thermal, morphological and optical properties was studied by TG, DSC, DRX, AFM, UV–vis and PL spectrophotometry. The Ni_0.04Zn_0.96O addition on PVA films decreases the thermal stability of the polymer in inert and in oxidative atmosphere. In contrast, the Fe_0.03Zn_0.97O presence in the PVA films seems to increase the thermal stability of the polymer. The characteristic peak of the crystalline phase of PVA and wurtzite phase of the zinc oxide were identified through X-ray diffraction in both films. The crystallinity of the PVA film increases with UV irradiation and with the presence of Ni_0.04Zn_0.96O and Fe_0.03Zn_0.97O. The roughness of the PVA film was not modified by the addition of the doped oxides; however, it increases after UV irradiation, more significantly in the films containing the oxides. The PVA film exhibits absorption around 280 nm characteristic of π–π^∗ transitions related to carbonyl groups from residuals acetate, while the 95/05 PVA/Ni_0.04Zn_0.96O and 95/05 PVA/Fe_0.03Zn_0.97O nanocomposite films show absorption at the visible region which is characteristics of the band gap reduction of the doped oxides. The photoluminescence of PVA was modified by the presence of the oxides in the film. These nanocomposite films are interesting due to their thermal, mechanical (flexible) properties and low cost of production. In addition they are also able to exhibit peculiar optical properties showing potential to be used in photonic devices, gas sensors and organic solar cell applications.