Yellow–green luminescent poly(vinyl alcohol) nanocomposite thick films as effective spectral manipulators

ABSTRACT Highly flexible and visibly transparent yellow–green fluorescent poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) based nanocomposite (NC) films with rubidium zincate (Rb2ZnO2) nano impregnates were developed through aqueous solution casting. The introduced rubidium zincate nanofillers impart UV shielding properties to PVA host, through UV to visible (fluorescent yellow–green) photon cutting. The rubidium zincate nanofiller impregnated PVA systems were also characterized for their structural, morphological, optical, and electrical behaviors by various analytical tools. The Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) studies shed light on the changes in gross structural properties of PVA. WhileScanning Electron Microscopic (SEM) profiles support uniform filler dispersions, which aid high visible transparencies. Further, the UV–visible spectral measurements depict the changes in electronic band structure that validates novel fluorescent emission properties, established through fluorescent emission studies. The NC films show excellent visible transparency (72–84%), near hydrophobic surface wettabilities (ϴ = 82°–93°) and enhanced charge conduction, in addition to high flexibilities and UV photons induced fluorescent emission ( λEmi=585 nm). The yellow–green luminescent, Rb2ZnO2 nanofillers reinforced PVA NC films are effective spectral manipulators, which may be used as competent packaging materials for photonic display devices and to extend the short wavelength limit of solar cells. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46854.