Characterization and linear/nonlinear optical properties of polymer nanocomposite films for optoelectronics applications

Polymer nanocomposite films combining of polyaniline (PANI) and lead sulfide (PbSNPs) were effectively synthesized using a casting solution approach for used in optical energy applications. Transmission microscope (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and infra-red spectroscopy (FT-IR) methods demonstrate that PbSNPs is successfully introduced into the PANI matrix. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images reveal that the PbS is homogenously loaded and distributed in PANI chain. Using UV-Vis optical absorbance, the optical parameters of PANI/PbSNPs were evaluated, including absorption edge (Ed), band gap (Eg), carbon cluster number (N) and Urbach energies (Eu). PbSNPs has been investigated for their impact on PANI polymer linear optical (LO) as well as nonlinear optical (NLO) characteristics including refractive index, nonlinear susceptibility, and dielectric parameter’s. When comparing the PANI/PbSNPs film to the pure PANI film, the band gap of the PANI/PbSNPs samples was found to be significantly reduced. However, the addition of PbSNPs increased the predicted amount of optical conductivity and carbon cluster number. The addition of PbSNPs to the PANI polymer improved its optical characteristics, resulting in a synthetic composite that can be used in energy applications as well as optoelectronics devices.