Freestanding flexible composite films of CdS-impregnated cellulose nanocrystals/PVDF: synthesis and characterization

Nanocrystalline CdS-impregnated cellulose nanocrystals (nano-CdS-cellulose) were embedded in polyvinylidene fluoride matrix for obtaining freestanding flexible films (nano-CdS-cellulose/PVDF) by using sol–gel technique. Modulation of photoluminescence (PL) properties with CdS loading in cellulose when embedded in the PVDF matrix was addressed critically. Change in bonding environment in these nano-CdS-cellulose/PVDF composites was studied by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Raman and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy measurements. Effect of CdS loading on the PL and microstructural properties of the nano-CdS-cellulose/PVDF composites was also studied.