Structural and Surface Properties of ZnTiO4/PVA Nanocomposites: Phase Stability of TiO2

Saadeldin, Mohamed Mounir; Salim, Sabreen Gabr; Abdelghany, Karam Atef

doi:10.21608/ejchem.2025.391170.11860

Structural and Surface Properties of ZnTiO4/PVA Nanocomposites: Phase Stability of TiO2

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

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

² Physics,Cairo university

³ Lecture at Faculty of Science - Cairo University

10.21608/ejchem.2025.391170.11860

Abstract

In this study, Zn2TiO4 nanocomposites embedded in a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) matrix were synthesized via a precipitation-assisted sonochemical route, followed by film casting to ensure uniform dispersion within the polymer matrix. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed a phase transition in TiO₂ from anatase to rutile, with slight shifts in ZnO position, suggesting asymmetric structural interactions. These findings indicate that ZnO possibly influenced by carbon and residual nitrogen species from polymer and the precursor actively modulates the crystallinity and contributes to phase stabilization of TiO₂. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) evidenced the formation of C–O–Zn linkages and partial Zn²⁺ incorporation into the TiO₂ lattice via O bridges. FTIR spectra revealed changes in molecular interactions and bonding dynamics, while atomic force microscopy (AFM) showed increasing surface roughness with higher Zn2TiO4 content. Collectively, these structural and surface analyses confirm that ZnO ,N and C function as active architectural and electronic modifiers, enhancing phase stability and enabling the design of energy-efficient functional nanocomposite materials.

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