γ-Irradiation for Novel Hybrid Silver/Polyvinyl Alcohol Nanocomposite Films with New Functionalized Properties

Abstract In this research, zero-valent silver nanoparticles (Ag 0 NPs) in polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) polymeric matrix (Ag/PVA) nanocomposite films have been synthesized through the in-situ solution casting technique after reducing AgNO 3 /PVA precursor solutions at different doses (10, 30, and 60 kGy) of γ-irradiation. The crystal structure of fresh PVA, 0.02Ag/PVA films, and γ-reduced Ag/PVA nanocomposite films with different molar ratios of AgNO 3 (0.005, 0.01, and 0.02 mol) has been checked by the X-ray diffraction technique. The formation and dispersion of γ-reduced Ag 0 NPs in the PVA polymeric film with different molar ratios of AgNO 3 have been studied by the Fourier transformation infrared spectroscopy. The formation and average particle size of Ag 0 NPs for 60 kGy-reduced 0.02Ag/PVA solution has been studied by the transmission electron microscope. The thermal stability of the γ-reduced Ag/PVA nanocomposite films has been assessed using thermogravimetric analysis. The spectral distribution of the optical absorbance, transmittance, and reflectance of fresh PVA and γ-reduced Ag/PVA nanocomposite films has been investigated. The optical band gaps (direct and indirect) of the studied films have been evaluated by the Tauc relation, where their values can be tuned by adjusting the molar ratios and γ-irradiation doses conforming the applicability of these films in optical applications. Also, the optical dispersion parameters and the effective charge-carrier concentration of the studied films have been determined. Furthermore, the frequency-dependent ac conductivity of the γ-reduced Ag/PVA nanocomposite films has been determined at room temperature for extended optoelectronic applications.