Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) nanocomposite films doped with mixed coumarin dyestuffs and
noble metal nanoparticles (60 nm silver and 100 nm gold) were prepared by spin coating technique. The
effect of silver and gold nanoparticles on the film properties was studied by Fourier transform infrared
spectroscopy (FT-IR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), transmission electron microscopy (TEM),
scanning electron microscopy (SEM), UV–vis absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy measurements.
DSC measurements indicated the increase of the glass transition temperature of the films by increasing
nanogold concentration, recommending their promising thermal stability towards hot climates. It was
found that the fluorescence signals of the mixed coumarin dyes were amplified by 5.4 and 7.15 folds as a
result of metal enhanced fluorescence (MEF). The research outcomes offered a potential application of
these films in solar energy conversion by plasmonic thin film luminescent solar concentrator (PTLSC). |
