Effect of green synthesis bimetallic Ag@SiO2 core–shell nanoparticles on absorption behavior and electrical properties of PVA-PEO nanocomposites for optoelectronic applications

A green and easy technique was used to synthesize silver and silica (Ag@SiO2) core–shell nanoparticles (NPs) in the matrix blend polymers matrix. Core–shell nanoparticles were loaded into polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene oxide (UHMW-PEO) blended polymer to fabricate new nanocomposite films (NCFs) using the developed solution-sonication-casting technique. The spectroscopic properties of the resultant films were investigated using x-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transforms infrared (FTIR), visible light microscope (OLM), field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), FESEM-energy dispersive spectroscope (FESM-EDX), UV/visible spectrometer, and LCR meter to investigate the structural, morphological, optical, and electrical characteristics. XRD revealed the presence of the semi-crystalline nature of PVA-UHMWPEO/ Ag@SiO2 NCFs. The degree of crystallinity increased after embedding. The NPs were well distributed within the NCFs according to OLM and SEM, and FESM-EDX confirmed the presence of C, O, Si, and Ag elements. FTIR spectrum observed strong bonding after the loading of NPs, and other peaks were hidden. The UV/visible spectrums suggested an absorption at ~ 210 nm. Based on the Tauc plot model, the optical bandgap (Eg) values decreased from 5.52 eV to 4.57 eV. The electrical conductivity values were significantly increased with the increasing frequency and (Ag@SiO2) core–shell nanoparticles (NPs) loading ratio. The PVA-UHMWPEO/Ag@SiO2 NCFs explained enhanced lattice strain. The obtained NCFs are suitable for use in various optoelectronic and nanodevice applications.