In-situ synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles in oxidized polyvinyl alcohol nanocomposites for tunable optoelectronic and proton conductive performance

This work presents the in-situ synthesis of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles in an oxidized polyvinyl alcohol (OPVA) matrix, which greatly enhances the final nanocomposites optical, mechanical, and proton conductive properties. Zinc acetate was used as a precursor to synthesis ZnO nanoparticles at different concentrations (1 wt%, 5 wt%, and 10 wt%) within the OPVA matrix. ZnO nanoparticles can be uniformly dispersed and have strong interfacial interactions with the OPVA thanks to this in-situ method, which is difficult to accomplish with conventional ex-situ techniques. The nanocomposites enhanced optical characteristics, which included a tunable bandgap that rose from 2.64 eV (pure OPVA) to 3.27 eV (1 % ZnO), made them appropriate for use in UV-blocking films and transparent thin-film transistors (TFTs). Furthermore, the proton conductivity of 1 wt% ZnO composite was 55 mS/cm at 90 °C, suggesting possible uses in proton exchange membranes for energy systems. Mechanical characterization showed that at 5 wt% ZnO, tensile strength increased by 45 %, but at higher ZnO loadings, nanoparticle aggregation occurred, slightly reducing flexibility. These results highlight ZnO/OPVA nanocomposites potential for optoelectronic applications and other cutting-edge technologies, especially in situations where improved conductivity, mechanical strength, and optical transparency are essential.