# Comprehensive enhancement of PVC nanocomposites through Al2O3 for advanced optoelectronics

## TL;DR

This study shows how adding Al2O3 nanoparticles to PVC improves its properties for use in flexible optoelectronic devices.

## Contribution

A cost-effective method to enhance PVC's optical and dielectric properties using low concentrations of Al2O3 nanoparticles.

## Key findings

- PVC/Al2O3 nanocomposites showed increased crystallinity and refractive index with low Al2O3 content.
- Optical bandgap decreased from 5.05 eV to 3 eV with Al2O3 addition, indicating new localized states.
- Dielectric properties improved with higher Al2O3 concentration, making the material suitable for optoelectronics.

## Abstract

With the rapid advancement of elastic and translucent optoelectronics, the demand for low-cost materials has emerged as a major research topic. As a result, this paper investigated how Al2O3 incorporation altered the properties of PVC. New PVC/xAl2O3 (x = 0, 0.01, 0.03, 0.07, 0.1, 0.2 wt%) nanocomposites were manufactured by using a cost-effective and simple process (casting method) to adjust the Al2O3 concentration. The PVC/xAl2O3 (x = 0, 0.01, 0.03, 0.07, 0.1, 0.2 wt%) nanocomposites were analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), ultraviolet-visible (UV–visible) spectroscopy, and impedance measurements. Dislocation density (δ), Distortion parameter (g), nanoparticle size (D), and lattice strain (ε) were assessed using the Scherrer and Williamson–Hall methods. Crystal size and the number of crystallites were observed to increase with Al2O3 content, revealing the higher crystallinity in the material. It was found that the particle size was ~ 30.22 nm for PVC/xAl2O3 (x = 0.1wt%). SEM analysis showed a consistent distribution of Al2O3 within the PVC at low concentrations of Al2O3. These PVC/Al2O3 films were used as adjustable light- diffusing films in the packaging of different flexible photoelectric devices, according to their visible absorbance characteristic depending on filler concentrations. The optical bandgaps of PVC and PVC/x(Al2O3) (where x = 0.2) were 5.05 eV and 3 eV, respectively. This decrease was associated with the creation of localized states in the bandgap. The refractive index values obtained were greater than those found in earlier studies, suggesting that the incorporation of a small amount of Al2O3 nanoparticles improved the refractive index of PVC. It was noted that as the concentration of Al2O3 rose, the dispersion parameters Ed, M2, and M3 showed an increase, while E0 exhibited a decrease. Conversely, the dielectric characteristics of the synthesized nanocomposites improved as the alumina content in the PVC matrix increased. The findings concluded that inexpensive PVC/xAl2O3(x = 0.1wt%) nanocomposites can be used as an essential component in sophisticated optoelectronic applications.