Design and fabrication of tailored Dy2O3 PVA nanocomposites with optical characterization for advanced optoelectronic applications

Recently, the integration of rare earth oxides into polymer matrices has attracted significant attention for optical applications. This study explores the effect of incorporating Dysprosium oxide (Dy₂O₃) nanoparticles at varying concentrations (1, 3, and 5%) into a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) matrix. All film preparation was achieved entirely through the use of casting techniques. The impact of Dy₂O₃ on the structural and optical characteristics of PVA was examined. Structural phase changes resulting from Dy₂O₃ incorporation were analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). The effect of adding Dy₂O₃ nanoparticles on the PVA surface was examined using a scanning electron microscope. Optical behaviour was studied through UV-Vis spectrophotometry. As the concentration of Dy₂O₃ in the PVA matrix increases, the optical absorbance also increases. Additionally, the absorption edge shifts toward longer wavelengths, indicating a reduction in the bandgap energy. Incorporating 5% Dy₂O₃ into PVA reduces the indirect bandgap from 4.72 to 3.85 eV. This modification also enhances the refractive index from 1.41 to 1.88. These improvements make Dy₂O₃-doped PVA films promising candidates for advanced optoelectronic applications.