Study of the Luminescence Properties of Polyvinyl Alcohol/Graphene Quantum Dots Nanocomposites

Graphene quantum dots (GQDs) are an appealing system due to their non-zero band gap, which allows luminescence, and size-dependent physical properties, attributed to quantum confinement and edge effects. In particular, GQDs suspended in liquid exhibit luminescence under UV light and photoluminescence (PL) emission depending on their size and properties. Furthermore, these GQDs can upgrade the electrical and optical properties of polymers films, such as those made with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). In this sense, nanocomposites formed by the inclusion of GQDs in a PVA matrix are currently attracting strong interest, and the study of the correlation between structural and optical properties is necessary.<br/>In this work, we present the characterization results of PVA/GQDs composites with different GQD concentration. The study encompasses both structural, surface and photoluminescence results in order to shed some light of the luminescence mechanisms in the nanocomposite, including the role of GQDs in these processes. This understanding will be of paramount importance in the development of PVA/GQDs composites in a wide range of applications in the field of nanophotonic or biotechnology.