Exploring the direct effect of intermediate band semiconductor materials on the structural, thermal and optical properties of PMMA nanocomposite

In this work, polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) doped with SnS2, Sn0.75Fe0.25S2, and Sn0.75Cr0.25S2 nanoparticles films were prepared using both thermolysis and casting procedures. The purity, structural and shape of the nanofillers were confirmed by Rietveld refinement method. The compositional changes for nanocomposite films were studied by energy dispersive spectrometry technique. Nanoparticles morphology and particle size were examined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) technique. Proper interactions between added nanofillers and the polymer matrix were discussed in detail by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy technique (FTIR). The variations in the FTIR absorption bands position and their shape proved the effect of doping on the composite films. The effect of dopant elements on the thermal properties of PMMA polymer matrix has been investigated by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Results showed an improvement in the degradation temperature of doped polymers compared to undoped ones. Clear regular arrangements of images for nanoparticles and composite films have been represented by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Different optical parameters have been examined using UV–vis spectroscopy technique. Due to the high transmittance values in the wavelength range of 320–800 nm, the formed composite films could be used as protective window layers for solar cells. The energy gap values decreased from 4.3 eV for undoped PMMA polymer to 4, 3.85, and 3.16 eV depending on the doping element.