Preparation and spectroscopic studies of PbI₂-doped poly(methyl methacrylate) nanocomposites films: Dielectric and optical limiting approach

In this work, a solution casting method was used to prepare the PbI₂/PMMA nanocomposites films. XRD was used to achieve structural characterizations. An increase in an amorphous hump was showed after doping with PbI₂ nanostructured. The spectra of FTIR were evaluated between (4000–400 cm⁻¹). The carbonyl stretch band at 1754 cm⁻¹ shifted to higher wavenumber shows the electrostatic interaction between PbI₂ and the oxygen of the carbonyl group. Nanocomposites films were identified by scanning electron microscope. The optical UV–Vis–NIR aspects of the nanocomposite films were determined. Increasing the concentration of PbI₂ in the investigated samples caused the energy gap to be decreased. Such adjustments in the optical characteristics of the PMMA sample are because of the interaction between the PMMA matrix and the PbI₂ nanoparticles. AC electrical conductivity and dielectric properties were studied at room temperature. The dielectric constant increases with increasing the concentration of PbI₂. Optical limiting was evaluated and investigated for PbI₂/PMMA nanocomposites and the He–Ne and green lasers power was reduced by increasing PbI₂ contents. The PbI₂/PMMA nanocomposites are promising candidates for solar cells, electronic/optoelectronic devices, and CUT-OFF laser filters.