Structural, optical, dielectric, and surface properties of polyimide hybrid nanocomposites films embedded mesoporous silica nanoparticles synthesized from rice husk ash for optoelectronic applications

Abstract

In this study, mesoporous silica nanoparticles previously prepared from the rice husk ash were utilized as nanofillers to fabricate thin films of polyimide/silica hybrid nanocomposites with different ratios (0, 6, 8, 10, and 12%). Subsequently, all hybrid films were further subjected to comprehensive characterization using XRD, SEM, AFM, and contact angle analyzers. The films exhibited a variety of optoelectronic properties depending on the silica nanoparticles' content. Where the silica nanofillers affected the optical clarity of polyimide films and increasing the silica ratio resulted in decreasing in films transmittance which led to reducing the transparency and enhanced the absorption coefficient of films in the UV range. Besides, the dielectric constant value and free charge carrier concentrations have increased which promoted the optical conductivity of the films. Moreover, increasing silica content resulted in converting the films from hydrophobic to hydrophilic surfaces, and has improved their wettability at all pH values. Graphical abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.].