Investigation on the optical and surface morphology of conjugated polymer MEH-PPV:ZnO nanocomposite thin films

• Published in: Journal of Nanomaterials
• Main Author: Yahya N.Z.; Rusop M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: 2012
• Online Access: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84863709943&doi=10.1155%2f2012%2f793679&partnerID=40&md5=7995e4193756e98a5153412726b92f70

Thin films of red color poly(2-methoxy-5(2 ′ -ethylhexyloxy)- phenylene vinylene) (MEH-PPV) containing different weight percent of ZnO nanoparticles were obtained by spin-coating techniques. The MEH-PPV:ZnO solutions were spin coated onto silicon and glass substrates. The spun MEH-PPV:ZnO thin films were then used to investigate optical properties by using ultraviolet-visible spectrometer (UV-Vis) and photoluminescence spectrophotometer (PL). The morphologies were investigated by using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), while the identification of ZnO in the final product was determined by using energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The UV-Vis absorption band increases, while the optical bandgap decreases when the amount of ZnO nanoparticles increases. ZnO nanoparticles apparently have no effect on the conjugation segments of MEH-PPV. PL spectra show that the emission peak increases and slightly red shift as ZnO concentration increases. Based on SEM images of MEH-PPV:ZnO nanocomposite thin films, ZnO nanoparticles form agglomerated regions. Copyright © 2012 Nurul Zayana Yahya and Mohamad Rusop.