Synthesis and characterization of PVK/AgNPs nanocomposites prepared by laser ablation

• It was found that particle size of AgNPs prepared by laser ablation can be controlled by experimental condition chosen.
• XRD, TEM and PL indicated the complexation between AgNPs and PVK in the nanocomposite system.
• XRD spectra and the band tail values confirm the enhancement of crystallinity of such system.

Nanocomposites of Poly (n-vinylcarbazole) PVK/Ag nanoparticles were prepared by laser ablation of a silver plate in aqueous solution of chlorobenzene. The influences of laser parameters such as; time of irradiation, source power and wavelength (photon energy) on structural, morphological and optical properties have been investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) and Photoluminescence (PL). A correlation between the investigated properties has been discussed. XRD, TEM and PL indicated that the complexation between AgNPs and PVK in the composite system is possible. Only the reflection peak at 2θ = 38° of AgNPs appeared in the composite nanoparticles while the other reflection peaks were destroyed. The nanoparticles shape and size distribution were evaluated from TEM images. TEM analysis revealed a lower average particle size at long laser irradiation time 40 min and short laser wavelength 532 nm together with high laser power 570 mW. From UV–Visible spectra the values of absorption coefficient, absorption edge and energy tail were calculated. The reduction of band tail value with increasing the laser ablation parameters confirms the decrease of the disorder in such composite system. The PL and UV–Vis. spectra confirm that nanocomposite samples showed quantum confinement effect.

Relation between (α and ln α) as a function of photon energy for different laser irradiation time at 270 mW and 1064 nm.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide