Fabrication and exploring the structural, dielectric and optical features of PVA/SnO2/Cr2O3 nanostructures for optoelectronic applications

The present study investigates the characteristics of nanocomposites comprising polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), tin dioxide (SnO 2 ), and chromium trioxide (Cr 2 O 3 ) with respect to their synthesis, structural, electrical, and optical properties. Nanocomposite samples with flexibility were expeditiously synthesized using the cast method. Optical microscope (OM) images elucidated that an increase in the concentration of nanoparticles results in the formation of network pathways within the polymeric matrix, which function as charge carriers. FTIR analysis has demonstrated the existence of physical interactions between the (PVA) and the nanoparticles. The AC electrical characteristics of nanocomposites, specifically the dielectric constant and dielectric loss, exhibit a decrease as the frequency of the applied electric field increases. Conversely, an increase in concentration of SnO 2 /Cr 2 O 3 nanoparticles results in an increase in these properties. AC electrical conductivity of the nanocomposites increases with both increasing frequency and concentration of SnO 2 /Cr 2 O 3 NPs. Based on the analysis of its structural and electrical properties, it can be inferred that the PVA/SnO 2 /Cr 2 O 3 nanocomposite exhibits potential for application in diverse electronic devices. The optical characteristics of PVA/SnO 2 / Cr 2 O 3 nanocomposites indicated that these materials exhibit greater absorbance in the ultraviolet region. This behavior suggests that the nanocomposites have potential for utilization in optoelectronics applications. The optical properties including absorbance, absorption coefficient, extinction coefficient, refractive index, real and imaginary dielectric constant, and optical conductivity, exhibit an upward trend with increasing concentrations of SnO 2 /Cr 2 O 3 nanoparticles. At a concentration of 6 wt.%, the allowed and forbidden indirect transitions exhibit a reduction in their optical energy gap from 4.38 to 2.53 eV and from 3.67 to 1.4 eV, respectively. This nanostructured composition tested the first time for the optoelectrical applications. The results showed that the PVA/SnO 2 /Cr 2 O 3 nanostructures can be considered as promising nanostructures for optics, photonics and electronics nanodevices.