Optical, phonon and fluorescence properties of PVA-GO-ZnO free standing films

We report optical properties of ZnO nanorods dispersed graphene oxide (GO)—polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) free standing composite films (PVA-GO-ZnO) which are prepared by ex-situ method. It has been found that the loading of ZnO nanorods altered the influence of GO on PVA matrix. Optical absorption results show the band related to π → π* transitions of aromatic C–C bonds in GO, which is shifted to higher wavelength side when loading ZnO in GO-PVA. Raman spectral studies show that the incorporation of ZnO in GO-PVA film decreases the interaction of GO with hydroxyl groups in PVA matrix. Steady state and time resolved photoluminescence show the suppression of PVA luminescence and decay time due to interactions with GO, which is recovered after the loading of ZnO in the PVA-GO.