Organic Functionalization and Properties of ZnO Nanosheets with Polymer Containing N-Vinyl Carbazole

Abstract

To make full use of the visible light more effectively, many studies are focuses on ZnO baesd nanocomposites. To modify the surface of ZnO with functional polymer is a very simple and effective approach. PVK (N-vinyl carbazole polymer) is one of typical organic functional materials, which is generally used as charge transfer materials for the applications of several organic electronic devices. Surface modification of ZnO nanosheets with polymer containing –COOH and N-vinyl carbazole group was performed with self-assembly process for improving the adsorption to visible light and properties of charge transfer in nanoscale. A series of characterizations were carried out by SEM (scanning electron microscopy), Fourier-Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectra, UV-Vis (Ultra-violet visible spectroscopy), et al. The adsorption of the nanocomposite was extended to the region of visible light. The photoconductivity response to weak visible light was studied based on interdigital electrodes of Au on flexible PET (polyethylene terephthalate) film substrate with casting method. The photocurrent of ZnO nanosheets modified with the polymer containing N-vinyl carbazole to weak visible light was changed greatly. The organic-inorganic nanocomposite showed good activities to visible light, with which it can be easily produced photo-induced charges, avoiding the recombination of charges produced by visible light. Photocatalytic efficiency was examined by selecting typical organic pollutants and some good results were obtained, showing much prospect in the fields of photocatalysts, nanoreactors, self-cleaning films, coatings, and organic pollutants treatment of environmental.