Analyzing the synthesis of various inorganic nanoparticles and their role in UV-shielding

Abstract

In recent days we have been using many devices equipped with LED in one or other way, as display or light sources. These sources have large contribution of UV emission in their total emission of light. This adds the amount of UV radiations and its effect which we have already faced during the exposure of sun. To protect not only the human body, skin and eyesight, but also some essential surfaces of exteriors, plastic roof, we need some protecting film/materials that can absorb UV part from light radiation. Already aware of the harm that UV-A and UV-B rays from sun cause to the biotic components of the ecosystem, researchers and scientists have started seriously working in developing some films using polymer nanocomposites or nanomaterials which have improved tranceparancy, flexibility, durability features. Mainly concentrating on UV shielding applications, the article talks about various nanoparticles prominently used in the said purpose, namely CeO2, TiO2, ZnO, MnO2 and graphene oxide. Along with their respective synthesis methods, particle size, band gap, other experimental results have been highlighted. Green synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles with the assistance of fungus and bacteria also finds mention which is significant in reducing our dependence on chemicals. Hexagon shaped pristine and Al doped ZnO nanodisks (NDs) with exposed ± [0001] polar facets successfully synthesized with absolute ethanol: water system as dual solvent mixture show exceptionally good absorbance of 99% in UV range upto 390 nm. It also emphasizes upon the importance of the synergistic effect of the incorporated nanoparticles & the matrix material used and the conversion of cellulose acetate matrix into cellulose acetate naphthoate in order to enhance its service life in the commercial anti-UV applications.