Effect of Ce0.5Zr0.5O2 nano fillers on structural and optical behaviors of poly(vinyl alcohol)

The effect of Cerium doped zirconium oxide (Ce4+ doped zirconia) nano fillers on electronic band structure and hence the optical absorption and emission properties of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) have been established. The solution casted PVA/Ce0.5Zr0.5O2 nanocomposite films were subjected to electronic (UV–Visible), fourier transform infrared (FTIR), scanning electron microscopic (SEM) and fluorescent spectral studies. The FTIR studies reveal a positive interaction between the Ce0.5Zr0.5O2 nano fillers and PVA matrix through hydroxyl groups. The electronic spectral studies reveal the changes in electronic band structure of composite with nano filler doping. The SEM images reveal homogeneous filler dispersions, while fluorescent spectral studies establish the dopant dependent photonic emission. The refractive index dispersion of developed films was established by single oscillator model developed by Wemple–Didomenico that shows a monotonic dependence on Ce0.5Zr0.5O2 loadings.