Structural, optical and chemical characterization of Rhodamine (B) doped poly (vinyl) alcohol films

The results obtained on poly (vinyl) alcohol (PVA) films doped with a range of Rhodamine B concentrations are reported here. While Fourier transform infrared and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements show a drastic change in chemical bonding in PVA upon doping with a maximum concentration of 2 wt%, X-ray diffraction pattern reveals a slight change in PVA lattice spacing, which may occur due to incorporation of bigger size nanocrystals of Rhodamine B dye. At this highest doping percentage, changes in the degree of crystallinity are also observed. The results are interpreted in terms of variations in vibrational frequencies of different CC, CO, CH and OH bonds in doped samples where the dye breaks the original bonds present in undoped PVA.

► Polyvinyl alcohol films were doped with a range of Rhodamine B concentrations. ► With increasing doping wt%, Rhodamine B XRD peaks appear. ► It reveals a change in crystallinity and breaking of bonds. ► Also results in modified optical properties morphology (FTIR measurements). ► XPS spectra show strong modifications as a result of doping.