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Ultralow-Loading Co2VO4 Nanoparticles Embedded in PMMA/PVDF Nanocomposite Membranes for Comprehensive Ultraviolet and
Esraa Mourad1,2, Ghada E Khedr3, Rabab M El-Sherif2
1Energy Materials Laboratory (EML), Physics Department, School of Sciences and Engineering, The American University in Cairo, New Cairo 11835, Egypt.
ACS Omega
|February 23, 2026
Summary
New cobalt vanadate (Co2VO4) nanocomposites effectively block harmful UV and blue light. These advanced materials offer enhanced mechanical and thermal properties for protective applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Polymer Science
Background:
- Ozone layer depletion increases harmful solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure.
- Development of advanced UV-protective materials is crucial for mitigating health and environmental risks.
- Existing protective materials may lack comprehensive UV blocking or sufficient durability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To fabricate and characterize novel Co2VO4/PMMA/PVDF nanocomposites for enhanced UV protection.
- To evaluate the optical, mechanical, thermal, and photostability properties of the developed nanocomposites.
- To explore the potential of these nanocomposites in practical applications like protective glazing and coatings.
Main Methods:
- Solution casting method used to incorporate Co2VO4 nanoparticles into PMMA/PVDF blend membranes.
- Optical properties analyzed via UV-Vis spectroscopy to determine band gaps.
- Mechanical properties assessed through elastic modulus and tensile strength measurements.
- Material characterization using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy.
- Photostability and thermal stability evaluated under continuous UV exposure and thermal stress.
Main Results:
- Nanocomposites exhibited complete blocking of UVC, UVB, UVA, and blue light regions.
- Optimal composition (NC-0.3) showed direct and indirect band gaps of 2.8 eV and 2.4 eV, respectively.
- Significant enhancement in mechanical properties: elastic modulus (+11.8%) and tensile strength (+6.63%).
- Exceptional photostability maintained after 40 hours of continuous UV exposure.
- NC-0.6 nanocomposite displayed increased hydrophobicity (contact angle 87°) and improved thermal stability.
Conclusions:
- Co2VO4/PMMA/PVDF nanocomposites offer superior multifunctional properties for radiation shielding.
- The developed materials are practical and cost-effective for UV-protective glazing, coatings, and sterilization equipment.
- This study presents an effective strategy for next-generation radiation-shielding material development.
