Surface engineering of polystyrene–cerium oxide nanocomposite thin films for refractive index enhancement

Abstract

Polymer nanocomposites have gained much importance in the field of optoelectronics due to their unique optical properties. Refractive index engineering using nanoparticles is an effective strategy that could be applied for the fabrication of optical devices. Herein, we report three different strategies which are employed to enhance the refractive index of polymer thin films.These include incorporating cerium oxide nanoparticles onto the polystyrene matrix, secondly adding cerium oxide nanoparticles onto the cross-linkable polystyrene and thirdly by embedding functionalized cerium oxide nanoparticles onto the cross-linkable polystyrene. Refractive index of the polystyrene thin films was enhanced by dispersing neat CeO 2 nanoparticles and functionalized CeO 2 nanoparticles into the polystyrene matrix. 1.38 % enhancement in the refractive index of the polymer nanocomposite thin films could be achieved using our technique.The blending of polystyrene with cerium oxide nanoparticle presents a prospective way to engineer the refractive index of polymer thin films. We firmly believe that the study will be an effective guide towards future research in the area of surface engineering of polymer thin films for refractive index enhancement.

Synthesis, Optical, Chemical and Thermal Characterizations of PMMA-PS/CeO2 Nanoparticles Thin Film

“…As a result, several researchers were motivated to search for nanocomposite materials based on blending inorganic nanoparticles with organic materials to improve their properties and obtain nanocomposites with better features. Owing to the outstanding properties of organic materials such as good flexibility, lower weight compared to inorganic materials, as well as the easiness of preparation, low processing cost, good influence resistance [ 8 , 9 , 10 ], recyclability and being environmentally friendly, they serve as excellent candidates for inorganic-organic nanocomposites [ 11 , 12 ].…”

“…PS has a good formability, a good rigidity, electric and thermal insulation, easy processing and long-term stability [ 27 , 28 , 29 ]. The outstanding properties of polystyrene such as its low cost and high refractive index of 1.59 at a wavelength of 632 nm make it an excellent choice for several optical applications [ 8 ].…”

“…Controlling the properties of materials is like sculpturing uniquely on scrolls. The properties of the films can be tuned in several ways, such as changing the film thickness [ 30 , 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 ] or by developing hybrid films of the metal oxide polymer [ 8 , 35 ]. In addition, the properties of the polymers can be improved by introducing nanoparticles into the polymer matrix.…”

“…This is an approach that opens the door to many applications in various fields. The merging of nanoparticles into the polymer matrix improves their optical, mechanical, thermal and electronic properties [ 8 , 36 , 37 ]. Due to the simple synthesis and low cost of preparation, the merging of inorganic building blocks in the organic matrix is an effective way to improve the properties while maintaining high transparency [ 38 , 39 ].…”

“…Amongst nanoparticles, cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO 2 NPs) have attracted much attention for their high stability, surface chemistry, and biocompatibility [ 40 , 41 , 42 ]. CeO 2 NPs are transparent in the visible region and have a refractive index of 2.2 at a wavelength of 632 nm [ 8 , 43 ]. Pure CeO 2 exhibits a wide indirect optical band gap and energy-wide band gap that operates effectively in the ultraviolet (UV) region and thus it could be an excellent choice for different optical and electronic applications [ 44 , 45 ].…”