Enhanced optical response of chalcone doped methyl cellulose polymer films for optoelectronic applications

Abstract Chalcone doped Magnesium Nitrate: Methyl Cellulose (MCCA) polymer films were prepared through a solution casting approach to examine their structural, optical, and electrical characteristics. Chalcone (CA) was synthesized via Claisen-Schmidt condensation and introduced into the polymer matrix in varying concentrations (0–2 wt%). Structural confirmation of the synthesized compound was carried out using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), and mass spectroscopic analyses. FTIR results of the prepared films revealed intermolecular interactions among chalcone, polymer chains, and salt through hydrogen bonding and coordination effects. X-ray diffraction studies indicated the semicrystalline nature of the prepared films. Optical measurements demonstrated a progressive red shift in the absorption edge and a decrease in optical band gap energy with increasing dopant content. Photoluminescence analysis confirmed distinct emission behavior of the modified films. Impedance studies showed ionic conductivity in the order of 10 − 5 S/cm, indicating that doping mainly enhanced optical properties without significantly affecting ionic transport. These findings demonstrate that chalcone doped MC films possess favourable structural, optical and electrical characteristics suitable for optoelectronic applications.