The analysis of surface morphology, band gaps and optical properties of PAN/GO thin films

Abstract

Purpose: PAN/GO nanocomposites are gaining more and more interest from research and industrial environments. According to theoretical studies and experimental tests, PAN/ GO exhibits excellent properties such as tensile strength, good thermal and electrical conductivity, excellent thermal and tribological properties. Thanks to this property, the composite is considered the ideal successor to the nanocomposites used so far. The PAN/GO nanocomposite has great potential in the filtration, automotive, electrical and photovoltaic industry. Design/methodology/approach: The spin-coating process is used to produce thin layers by centrifuging a liquid substance on flat surfaces. The advantages of the spin- coating process are simplicity and ease with which the process can be carried out. Due to the ability to high spin speeds, high airflow leads to fast drying time, which in turn results in high consistency in both macroscopic and nanometre scales. The spin-coting method is usually the starting point and reference point for most academic and industrial processes that require a thin and uniform coating. The use of spin coating has a wide spectrum. This technique can be used to coat small substrates (from a few square mm) up to the coating of flat displays, e.g. TV sets, which may have a meter or more in diameter. Findings: Among the existing methods for producing thin layers, including physical and chemical methods for gas phase deposition or the self-assembly process, the spin-coating process makes it possible to produce uniform thin nanocomposite layers in an easy and cheap way. Spin coating is usually the starting point and reference point for most academic and industrial processes that require a thin and uniform coating. The advantage of the method is the wide spectrum of use. It is used for coating substrates with everything from photoresists, insulators, organic semiconductors, synthetic metals, nanomaterials, metal precursors and metal oxides, transparent conductive oxides and many other materials. Often, spin coating is used to unravel polymer layers or photoresist on semiconductor substrates. Research limitations/implications: Due to the ongoing research on the potential applications of PAN/GO thin layers, including electronics, automotive and photovoltaics, it is worth trying to optimize the parameters of the spin-coiling process such as rotational speed or duration of the process. It is also worth trying to optimize the concentration of GO in the nanocomposite. Practical implications: Despite mixing the solution with an ultrasonic homogenizer to disperse the nanoparticles, the particles dispersed to form a rough surface. Originality/value: Low-cost, easy to carry out method of producing thin nanocomposite layers, having significant application in laboratory environments.