Synergistic fabrication, characterization, and prospective optoelectronic applications of DES grafted activated charcoal dispersed PVA films

Abstract

This study investigates the synthesis, analysis, and utility of films comprising deep eutectic solvent (DES) grafted activated charcoal (AC) within a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) matrix for optoelectronic device applications. The fabrication process involves the dispersion of DES functionalization AC into the PVA solution, followed by casting onto substrates with controlled drying. Comprehensive characterization encompassing X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), UV–vis spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and impedance spectroscopy which discerns the films microstructure, morphology, conductance, band-gap, and optical traits. The DES grafted AC infusion with variable concentration has significantly influenced optical absorbance and reduced the band gap indicating efficient charge mobility. Furthermore, the impedance analysis has revealed the electrical conduction of the film to be 1.8 × 10−6 Ω−1 m−1. In summary, the dispersion of DES modified AC in the PVA matrix have converted the insulating PVA to a semiconducting polymeric film with reduced band-gap and increased absorption, which present a propitious avenue for wide array of optoelectronic devices, such as thin film transistors, photovoltaics, LEDs, photodetectors, and many such applications.