Investigating the Effect of Zn2SnO4 Nanoparticles on Structural, Optical, and Electrical Properties of PVA Nanocomposites

Saadeldin, M.M.; Samir, Ahmed; El Desouky, Fawzy G.

doi:10.21608/ejchem.2025.367456.11437

Investigating the Effect of Zn2SnO4 Nanoparticles on Structural, Optical, and Electrical Properties of PVA Nanocomposites

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Physics Department, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza 12613, Egypt,

² Solid State Physics Department, Physics Research Institute, National Research Centre, Cairo, 12622, Egypt

10.21608/ejchem.2025.367456.11437

Abstract

This study reports the fabrication and comprehensive characterization of novel polymer composite films comprised of hydrothermally synthesized zinc tin oxide nanoparticles (ZTO-NP) embedded within a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) matrix. The systematic investigation focuses on elucidating the effects of varying ZTO-NP concentrations (5%, 8%, and 10%) on the structural, morphological, optical, and electrical properties of the resulting nanocomposites. X-ray Diffraction (XRD) confirms the successful synthesis of crystalline cubic-phase ZTO-NP, which act as nucleating agents to enhance crystallinity in the PVA matrix. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy validates interfacial interactions between nanoparticles and polymer chains. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) demonstrate concentration-dependent surface roughness due to nanoparticle aggregation and dispersion. Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy (DRS) reveals improved UV absorption with increasing ZTO-NP loading, with optimal performance observed at 8% concentration due to balanced dispersion and minimized optical band gap. Electrical characterization highlights tunable dielectric relaxation behavior and increased AC conductivity, attributed to space charge defect generation. These findings underscore the potential of ZTO/PVA nanocomposites for advanced applications in optoelectronics, UV shielding, and next-generation electronic devices, offering a versatile route to engineering multifunctional materials.

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