Boron nitride quantum dots/polyvinyl butyral nanocomposite films for the enhanced photoluminescence and UV shielding properties

Abstract

The present investigation focused on the effect of boron nitride quantum dots (BNQDs) as a filler on the optical properties of polyvinyl butyral (PVB) nanocomposites. Herein, polymer nanocomposite films with advanced UV protection and high photoluminescence properties were successfully synthesized. Polymer nanocomposite films were produced by adding BNQDs to the polymer in different ratios by a simple solution forming and casting method. The films were decomposed at different UV degradation times, and their UV protective properties were tested. The structural, morphological, optical and chemical interaction of BNQDs/PVB nanocomposites was confirmed by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), micro‐Raman spectroscopy, ultraviolet and visible (UV–Vis), and photoluminescence (PL) analyzes. As the amount of BNQDs in the polymer increased, the intensity of the bright images separated from the polymer also increased. TEM images confirmed the good distribution of quantum dots in PVB polymer matrix. Polymer composites doped with 0.25% and 0.4% BNQDs show excellent UV‐shielding properties as the transmittance in the UV region decreased about 69% and 95%, respectively. As the addition of BNQDs into the polymer increased, the PL emission of the pure PVB film, which showed almost no emission, increased significantly.