PEO Based Nanocomposite With Improved Structural and Optical Properties

Abstract

The development of advanced UV protective materials is crucial for human health and enhancing the longevity of electronic devices, especially through transparent UV shielding coatings that block harmful UV radiation without compromising visibility. This study presents a novel approach by developing polyethylene oxide (PEO)-based nanocomposites doped with vanadium pentoxide (V₂O₅) nanoparticles, which exhibit enhanced structural, optical, and dielectric properties. Nanocomposite films were synthesized using the solvent-casting method with V₂O₅ doping concentrations ranging from 1 to 7 wt%. Key techniques, including ATR-FTIR, XRD, FESEM, UV-vis spectroscopy, and dielectric analysis, were employed to investigate the material properties. ATR-FTIR analysis demonstrated significant interactions between PEO and V₂O₅, while XRD revealed reduced crystallinity and crystallite size. FESEM showed morphological changes, including the formation of smaller spherulites and a porous structure at lower doping concentrations, which transitioned to aggregation and larger spherulites at higher V₂O₅ concentrations. Optical studies indicated a reduction in the optical bandgap from 5.44 eV for pure PEO to 1.89 eV for PEO doped with 7 wt% V₂O₅, due to enhanced polarization and localized electronic states. Dielectric studies highlighted a marked increase in the high-frequency dielectric constant from 3.31 to 6.12. These findings present a promising pathway for the design of advanced UV shielding materials with improved light absorption, polarizability, and optical performance, contributing to the development of novel applications in nonlinear optical devices, sensors, and photonic systems.