Synthesis and potential applications of boron nitride quantum dots doped polymer nanocomposites

Boron nitride quantum dots (BNQDs) have found widespread use in areas such as biosensing, sensors, photocatalysis, chemotherapy, biological imaging and detection of metal ions due to their biocompatibility and unique chemical, optical and physical properties. The present study focused on the effect of BNQDs as a filler on the optical properties of polyvinyl butyral (PVB) nano composites. In this study, polymer nanocomposite films with advanced UV protection and high photoluminescence properties were successfully synthesized. Polymer nanocomposite films were produced by adding BNQDs to the polymer in different ratios (0.025 %, 0.25 %, 0.4 %) by a simple solution forming and casting method. The films were decomposed at different UV degradation times (24, 72, 170, 240 hours), and their UV protective properties were tested. The structural, morphological, optical and chemical interaction of BNQDs/PVB nanocomposites was confirmed by Scanning electron microscope (SEM), Transmission electron microscope (TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometer(FTIR), micro-Raman spectroscopy, ultraviolet and visible (UV–Vis), and photoluminescence (PL) analyzes. TEM images confirmed the good distribution of quantum dots in PVB polymer matrix. Polymer composites doped with 0.25% and 0.4% BNQDs show excellent UV-shielding properties as the transmittance in the UV region decreased about 69% and 95%, respectively. As the addition of BNQDs into the polymer increased, the PL emission of the pure PVB film, which showed almost no emission, increased significantly.