In situ synthesis of gold nanoparticles within poly (vinyl alcohol) matrix under electron accelerator radiation: photoluminescence, thermal and electrical properties

Abstract

The electron accelerator radiation was used for the in situ synthesis of gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) in poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) films. The hybrid films were characterized using photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and AC electrical conductivity. PL results show an enhancement of the emission spectra of PVA upon the formation of Au NPs in the PVA matrix. The results reveal that irradiation at 200 kGy resulted in the highest intensity of the emission peaks of both PVA and Au NPs. The DSC results indicated that incorporation of metal nanoparticles in the PVA matrix reduces the thinking of the crystalline structure of PVA. AC electrical conductivity, σac for non-irradiated and irradiated samples (100, 200 and 300 kGy) is measured over a temperature range from 303 up to 363 K at an applied field frequency of 5 MHz. The σac values show an increase with temperature and show its highest values at 100 kGy irradiation dose over that temperature range. Dielectric constant (e1) exhibits an increase with temperature and maximum values at 100 kGy dose, whereas the dielectric loss tangent (tanδ) follows an opposite trend at that dose.