Synthesis and characterization of ZnO/PET composite using supercritical carbon dioxide impregnation technology

A zinc oxide (ZnO) and poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) composite was obtained using a supercritical fluid deposition (SCFD) approach. The zinc precursor was solubilized in supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) and impregnated onto PET films. The PET film impregnated zinc precursor was chemically treated using a hydrazine alcoholic solution to obtain the ZnO/PET composite. The composite was characterized by photoacoustic spectroscopy UV–Vis, photoluminescence emission at room temperature, and scanning electron microscopy. The ZnO generated using hydrazine presented spherical shape with strong photoluminescence emission at 390 nm (3.17 eV), indicating the formation of a well-organized ZnO phase.