Optical, Electrical and Viscosity Properties of Poly (Vinyl Alcohol) Films Embedded with Cr2O3 Nanoparticles Synthesised by Biological and Electrochemical Methods

Abstract

The effect of Cr2O3 nanoparticles embedded in PVA on the structural, electrical and optical properties of composite films is studied experimentally. Sample is PVA films embedded with different sizes and concentrations of Cr2O3 nanoparticles. Structural properties are studied using X-ray diffraction, SEM, and FTIR spectrum. Optical property is studied using UV-Visible spectroscopy. Results show that by embedding Cr2O3 nanoparticles in PVA, number of Bragg’s planes in the structure of polymer and its crystallinity are increased noticeably. The λmax of Cr2O3 undergoes a blue shift towards the lower wavelength after embedding. Scanning electron microscopy shows that the prepared Cr2O3 nanoparticles were dispersed and nearly uniform in diameter within the polymeric matrix. Frequency dependent conductivity, photo-voltaic activity and viscosity measurements of PVA and PVA-Cr2O3 nanoparticles composites films/solutions are also discussed. The induced structural changes, revealed through XRD and FTIR spectroscopy, are responsible for the observed changes in optical behaviour of PVA after embedding Cr2O3 nanoparticles in it.