Fabrication, structure and optical characteristics of CuO/polymer nanocomposites materials for optical devices

Abstract

The films of P(4ClAni)/CuO, which formed of mixing poly 4-chloroaniline P(4ClAni) by CuO, were fabricated by the casting solution method. The XRD confirmed the successful prepration of the P(4ClAni)/CuO films. Additionally, the effect of CuO on the optical characteristics was determined. The CuO increased the refractive index from 1.09 for P(4ClAni) to 1.11 for P(4ClAni)/CuO-1, and 1.19 for P(4ClAni)/CuO-3, respectively, while the oscillation energy E₀ dropped from 4.29 eV for P(4ClAni) to 3.57 eV for P(4ClAni)/CuO-1, 3.12 eV for P(4ClAni)/CuO-2, and 3.06 eV for P(4ClAni)/CuO-3. The charge transfer between P(4ClAni) and CuO increased optical conductivity as the CuO ratios increased. This suggests that modifications in the electronic structure of the composite due to the interactions between P(4ClAni) and CuO. Also, the plasma frequency increased from 0.87 x 10¹² s⁻¹ to 2.32 x 10¹² s⁻¹. These changes in optical parameters occurred when the polarization of the P(4ClAni)/CuO was altered. The study elucidated the advantages of incorporating CuO nanoparticles as fillers in improving the properties of P(4ClAni) structures. The obtained results indicate the P(4ClAni)/CuO composites were sucessfuly fabricated with novel characteristics that can be applied in flexible optical devices.