Influence of ion beam on the surface characteristics and structural properties of PVA/TiO₂ films

This work used the solution-casting preparation method to create flexible polymer composite materials including titanium dioxide (TiO₂) and poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA). Then, using a wide-beam homemade cold-cathode ion generator, the samples were irradiated with oxygen fluences of 4 × 10¹⁶, 8 × 10¹⁶ and 12 × 10¹⁶ ions/cm². Using the energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, contact angle and X-ray diffraction techniques, the successful production of PVA/titanium dioxide composite films was evaluated. The effects of ion exposure on the optical behavior were determined using the ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy technique. The PVA/titanium dioxide dispersion energy was 1.75 eV. It increased to 2.21, 2.66 and 3.12 eV with irradiation of 4 × 10¹⁶, 8 × 10¹⁶ and 12 × 10¹⁶ ions/cm², respectively. Moreover, the refractive index (n ₀) of PVA/titanium dioxide was 1.18, which increased to 1.25, 1.32 and 1.40, respectively. Moreover, the oscillation energy E ₀ reduced from 4.24 eV for the PVA/titanium dioxide composite to 3.84, 3.64 and 3.27 eV, respectively. Consequently, PVA/TiO₂ films are treated with ions to change their optical and structural properties, which are then used in a variety of optoelectronic applications.