Luminescent Polymer Composite Films Containing Coal-Derived Graphene Quantum Dots

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) is a versatile polymer matrix.
• Graphene quantum dots (GQDs) offer unique fluorescent properties.
• Developing novel luminescent materials is crucial for advanced optoelectronics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To prepare and characterize luminescent polymer composite films using PVA and coal-derived GQDs.
• To investigate the optical, thermal, and fluorescent properties of these nanocomposites.
• To evaluate their suitability for optoelectronic applications.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of PVA/GQD nanocomposite films via solution casting from aqueous solutions.
• Characterization of optical properties, including transparency and photoluminescence.
• Assessment of thermal stability and nanoparticle dispersion within the polymer matrix.

Main Results:

• Composite films exhibited solid-state fluorescence due to coal-derived GQDs.
• High optical transparency (78-91%) and excellent nanoparticle dispersion were observed at 1-5 wt% GQD.
• Maximum photoluminescence intensity was achieved at 10 wt% GQD content.

Conclusions:

• PVA/GQD nanocomposites demonstrate promising luminescent properties.
• The materials possess good optical transparency and nanoparticle dispersion.
• These findings suggest potential applications in LEDs, flexible displays, and other optoelectronic devices.