Synthesis and characterization of a composite organic semiconductor (curcumin-paracetamol/TiO2)

Abstract

The aim of this work is to study some physical and chemical properties of an organic semiconductor (OSc)/ x%titanium dioxide (TiO2) heterosystem (with 0 ≤ x ≤ 20%) (OScs/ x%TiO2). The OSc is obtained from pure curcumin and paracetamol as starting molecules. The synthesis methodology of the mixtures of OScs/ x%TiO2 heterosystem involves a microwave-assisted multicomponent reaction using curcumin, paracetamol, and TiO2 as a heterogeneous solution. All mixtures were analyzed by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis/differential thermal analysis, X-ray diffraction, ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. The results obtained show a new nanocomposite with interesting pharmaceutical, optical, electronic, and structural properties, which can be used in the fields of energy production, water purification, and air purification, as a biomaterial and for electronic applications.