Photoluminescence Properties of Polythiophene/Tin Oxide (PTh/SnO2) Polymer Nanocomposites

Abstract

Abstract In the present work, we have synthesized, polythiophene/tin oxide (PTh/SnO2) polymer nanocomposites through an in-situ chemical polymerization of thiophene monomers using anhydrous FeCl3 as an oxidant. The structural, thermal and optical characterization of PTh/SnO2 nanocomposites were investigated using X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analyzer and fluorescence emission spectroscopy. XRD spectra show the formation of pure polythiophene and incorporation of SnO2 nanofiller into the polythiophene matrix. FESEM images depict the formation of irregular rod and chain like structures with incorporation of SnO2 are noticed. TGA results reveal that the thermal stability of polymer nanocomposites is higher than that of pure polythiophene due to the strong interaction between nanofiller and polymer matrix. Fluorescence emission spectra show the emission intensity of polymer nanocomposites decreases as the concentration of SnO2 nanofiller increases due to the variation of rate of electron-hole recombination and conjugation length of polymer chain. Our results of fluorescence emission analyses suggest the PTh/SnO2 polymer nanocomposites could be a potential material for photonic devices.