Synthesis, structural characterization, and optical properties of PVA/MnO2 materials for optoelectronics applications.

In this study, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) was mixed with concentration of 5%, 7.5%, and 10% of manganese dioxide (MnO₂) to form PVA/MnO₂ films using solution cast approach method. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) verified that the nanomaterials films were successfully fabricated. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) illustrates the uniform MnO₂ dispersion within the PVA host matrix. Additionally, the influence of MnO₂ on the optical properties is recorded. The refractive index (n₀) is improved by adding MnO₂, from 1.29 for PVA to 1.87 for PVA/5%MnO₂ and 2.86 for PVA/10%MnO₂. The PVA had a dispersion energy of 2.53 eV, while PVA with 5% MnO₂ had 4.86 eV, PVA with 7.5% MnO₂ had 5.74 eV, and PVA with 10%MnO₂ had 7.12 eV. In addition, the oscillation energy E₀ decreased from 3.79 for PVA to 1.94, 1.72, and 0.99 eV, respectively for PVA/5%MnO₂, PVA/7.5%MnO₂, and PVA/10%MnO₂. It is evident from the data that the incorporation of MnO₂ to the PVA polymer alters its optical properties. This proved the existence of strong interactions of PVA and MnO₂ due to the modification of the PVA/MnO₂ electronic structure. Moreover, the plasma frequency W p value increased from 0.79 × 10¹³ s⁻¹ for PVA to 2.06 × 10¹³ s⁻¹ for PVA/10%MnO₂. These shifts in W p provided the polarization is modified for the PVA/MnO₂. The results obtained in this study provide evidence of the advantages associated with the utilization of MnO₂ nanoparticles as a filler of improved polymeric structures. These findings also propose the potential suitability of MnO₂ nanoparticles for application in the field of optics and electronic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]