# Structural and Thermal Studies of ZnS and CdS Nanoparticles in Polymer Matrices

Authors: Jejenija Osuntokun; Peter A. Ajibade
Journal: Journal of Nanomaterials
 (2016)

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## Abstract

We report the synthesis and structural studies of ZnS and CdS nanoparticles in polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) matrices. The metal sulfides/polymer nanocomposites were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, electronic spectroscopy (UV-Vis), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The particle sizes as calculated from the absorption spectra were in agreement with the results obtained from TEM and XRD data. They showed metal sulfides nanoparticles in the polymers matrices with average crystallite sizes of 1.5–6.9 nm. The TGA results indicate that incorporation of the nanoparticles significantly altered the thermal properties of the respective polymers with ZnS/PVA and CdS/PVA nanocomposites displaying higher thermal stability than the other polymer nanocomposites.


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## Body

## 1. Introduction

Nanocomposites are the fusion of two or more different materials in which at least one of the components has dimension less than 100 nm [1]. In polymer nanocomposites, the blends consist of organic polymer matrix and inorganic components (semiconductors). The lack of satisfactory mechanical, thermal, and electronic properties of the conventional polymer materials gave rise to the need to functionalize them in an attempt to improve their properties and extend their potential applications [2, 3]. PMMA, PVA, and PVP are among the most widely used polymers in the synthesis of nanocomposites because of their availability and low cost [4–7]. Among group II-VI compound semiconductors nanoparticles, ZnS and CdS are the most promising materials [8]. ZnS is a good material for detecting ultraviolet and violet radiation due to its primary band gap of 3.68 eV (345 nm) and high sensitivity. It has potential applications in optics, optoelectronics, and solar energy [9, 10]. CdS with a direct band gap of 2.42 eV (515 nm) has applications in window layers [11], light emitting diodes [12], and photodetectors. Its applications in photodetector and solar cells when used in conjunction with narrow band gap materials such as CdTe have been reported [13].The two common routes for the synthesis of polymer nanocomposites are the ex situ and in situ methods [14–16]. The two methods are liquid based, and the end products are solid which are obtained by either coprecipitation or solvent evaporation [17]. The synthesis of MS/PMMA or PVA or PVP where M=Zn or Cd via different chemical and physical routes has been reported by many authors [18–22]. However, there is no report on comparative studies of the structural properties and thermal stability of the nanocomposites of ZnS/CdS nanoparticles in PMMA, PVA, and PVP. In this work, we investigate the structural and thermal properties of different polymer nanocomposites prepared by the incorporation of ZnS and CdS into the matrices of theses polymers: poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). The structural studies of the metal sulfides/polymer nanocomposites were carried out by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA).


## 2. Materials and Methods

### 2.1. Materials

Methanol, poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), and toluene used in this work were all purchased from Merck. All the reagents were of analytical grade and were used as supplied.


### 2.2. Characterization

The FTIR analysis of the as-prepared polymer composites was performed on a Perkin Elmer Paragon 2000 FTIR spectrophotometer, in the range of 4000–350 cm−1. The thermogravimetric analysis was carried out on SDTQ 600 thermal instrument. About 10–12 mg of samples was heated in an alumina crucible at 10°C min−1 within the temperature range of 20–650°C under nitrogen atmosphere. Scanning electron microscope images were analysed using JOEL JSM-6390 LVSEM, at different magnifications as shown on the SEM micrograph. Samples for SEM analysis were prepared by mounting the nanoparticles on a stub using carbon double-sided tape. The samples were coated with Au/Pd using the Eiko IB-3 ion coater for better imaging. The X-ray diffractogram of the nanoparticles was recorded on a Bruker D8 Advanced, equipped with a proportional counter using Cu Kα radiation (λ
=
1.5405 Å, nickel filter). UV-visible spectra of the nanoparticles were recorded using Perkin Elmer Lambda 25 spectrophotometer, in toluene from 200 to 800 cm−1.


### 2.3. Experimental

#### 2.3.1. Synthesis of Nanocomposites

The ZnS and CdS nanoparticles were synthesized as reported in the literature [23]. The ZnS and CdS nanoparticles in PMMA, PVA, and PVP were prepared by a solution casting method [24]. Laboratory grades PMMA, PVA, and PVP were, respectively, dissolved in toluene and stirred for 2 h, followed by the addition of 8 weight % of ZnS or CdS nanoparticles dissolved in the same solvent and added to the polymers solution. The choice of 8 weight % is the concentration of modifiers that exhibit appreciable structural and thermal properties necessary for the purpose of this study. The mixture was stirred at 60°C for 24 h, to allow the reaction of the nanoparticles with the polymers and poured into petri dishes to give the various nanocomposites. The toluene was allowed to evaporate slowly over a period of 48 h in dry atmosphere. The film was then removed and dried in the vacuum at 70°C [25, 26].


## 2.1. Materials

Methanol, poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), and toluene used in this work were all purchased from Merck. All the reagents were of analytical grade and were used as supplied.


## 2.2. Characterization

The FTIR analysis of the as-prepared polymer composites was performed on a Perkin Elmer Paragon 2000 FTIR spectrophotometer, in the range of 4000–350 cm−1. The thermogravimetric analysis was carried out on SDTQ 600 thermal instrument. About 10–12 mg of samples was heated in an alumina crucible at 10°C min−1 within the temperature range of 20–650°C under nitrogen atmosphere. Scanning electron microscope images were analysed using JOEL JSM-6390 LVSEM, at different magnifications as shown on the SEM micrograph. Samples for SEM analysis were prepared by mounting the nanoparticles on a stub using carbon double-sided tape. The samples were coated with Au/Pd using the Eiko IB-3 ion coater for better imaging. The X-ray diffractogram of the nanoparticles was recorded on a Bruker D8 Advanced, equipped with a proportional counter using Cu Kα radiation (λ
=
1.5405 Å, nickel filter). UV-visible spectra of the nanoparticles were recorded using Perkin Elmer Lambda 25 spectrophotometer, in toluene from 200 to 800 cm−1.


## 2.3. Experimental

### 2.3.1. Synthesis of Nanocomposites

The ZnS and CdS nanoparticles were synthesized as reported in the literature [23]. The ZnS and CdS nanoparticles in PMMA, PVA, and PVP were prepared by a solution casting method [24]. Laboratory grades PMMA, PVA, and PVP were, respectively, dissolved in toluene and stirred for 2 h, followed by the addition of 8 weight % of ZnS or CdS nanoparticles dissolved in the same solvent and added to the polymers solution. The choice of 8 weight % is the concentration of modifiers that exhibit appreciable structural and thermal properties necessary for the purpose of this study. The mixture was stirred at 60°C for 24 h, to allow the reaction of the nanoparticles with the polymers and poured into petri dishes to give the various nanocomposites. The toluene was allowed to evaporate slowly over a period of 48 h in dry atmosphere. The film was then removed and dried in the vacuum at 70°C [25, 26].


## 2.3.1. Synthesis of Nanocomposites

The ZnS and CdS nanoparticles were synthesized as reported in the literature [23]. The ZnS and CdS nanoparticles in PMMA, PVA, and PVP were prepared by a solution casting method [24]. Laboratory grades PMMA, PVA, and PVP were, respectively, dissolved in toluene and stirred for 2 h, followed by the addition of 8 weight % of ZnS or CdS nanoparticles dissolved in the same solvent and added to the polymers solution. The choice of 8 weight % is the concentration of modifiers that exhibit appreciable structural and thermal properties necessary for the purpose of this study. The mixture was stirred at 60°C for 24 h, to allow the reaction of the nanoparticles with the polymers and poured into petri dishes to give the various nanocomposites. The toluene was allowed to evaporate slowly over a period of 48 h in dry atmosphere. The film was then removed and dried in the vacuum at 70°C [25, 26].


## 3. Results and Discussion

### 3.1. FTIR Spectra Studies

Figure1(a) shows the overlapped FTIR spectra of pure PMMA and the respective nanocomposites incorporating ZnS and CdS nanoparticles. The graphs are rescaled to allow overlapping. Pure PMMA and the corresponding ZnS and CdS nanocomposites show a weak band in the range of 3448–3455 cm−1 that is due to stretching vibration of O-H. PMMA exhibits bands around 2952 and 2823 cm−1 that are assigned to C-H asymmetric and symmetric stretching vibrations, respectively. The bending vibrational bands of the methyl group appear around 1490 cm−1 and 1457 cm−1 [27]. Furthermore, there is a sharp and intense band at 1769 cm−1 which is attributed to the stretching vibration of the carbonyl, C=O. The ZnS/PMMA and CdS/PMMA nanocomposites showed stretching vibrations that are not really different from the pure PMMA and this is indicative of weak chemical interaction between the host polymer and the nanoparticles. Similar studies about the interaction of PMMA and nanoparticles have been reported by other researchers [28]. HDA was used as a passivating agent for the metal sulfide nanoparticle and peaks in the region of 3181–3336 cm−1 can be ascribed to the N-H stretching of primary amine. These peaks are observable in the infrared absorption spectra of the nanocomposites and it is indicative of the presence of HDA [29, 30].Figure 1
FTIR spectra of (a) pure PMMA, ZnS/PMMA, and CdS/PMMA, (b) pure PVA, ZnS/PVA, and CdS/PVA, and (c) pure PVP, ZnS/PVP, and CdS/PVP.
(a)
(b)
(c)Figure1(b) presents the overlapped FTIR spectra of pure PVA and the respective composites with ZnS and CdS nanoparticles. PVA exhibits a broadband at 3429 cm−1 which is assigned to O-H stretching frequency of the hydroxyl group. This band has been shifted to 3425 and 3424 cm−1 in ZnS/PVA and CdS/PVA, respectively. Two bands observed in the pure PVA at 2942, 1755 cm−1 which correspond to C-H and C=O stretching vibrations, respectively, are found at 2938, 1710 cm−1 and 2931, 1749 cm−1 in ZnS/PVA and CdS/PVA polymer nanocomposites. The absorption band at 1646 cm−1 due to C=C stretching in the PVA appears at 1659 and 1653 cm−1 in the ZnS/PVA and CdS/PVA nanocomposites, respectively. The observation of characteristics bands of PVA in ZnS/PVA and CdS/PVA confirms the interaction between these semiconductor inorganic nanoparticles and PVA. Similar results have also been reported for ZnS/PVA [31] and CdS/PVA [32].The interaction between the nanoparticles and the PVP, host polymer, was also investigated. Figure1(c) shows the overlapped spectra of PVP and their respective nanocomposites. In the FTIR spectrum of PVP, the band at 1681 cm−1 is due to the C=O stretching mode and after the formation of ZnS/PVP and CdS/PVP nanocomposites the C=O stretching band appears at 1663 and 1641 cm−1. The red shift of 17 and 40 cm−1, respectively, indicates a strong interaction between the nanoparticles and the PVP host. The band in the region of 1500–1300 cm−1 is fairly strong and this is because of the contribution from the in-plane C-H bending of different—CH2 and—CH moieties. Most likely the C-H bending modes are coupled with C-N stretching modes. The existence of strong interactions between ZnS and CdS with PVP has also been reported before [33, 34].


#### 3.1.1. Thermal Analysis of PMMA and Nanocomposites

The thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) of the pure PMMA, the ZnS/PMMA, and CdS/PMMA nanocomposites is presented in Figures2(a)–2(c), respectively. The thermal degradation of PMMA occurs in three stages, as inferred from the DTG graph. The degradation of PMMA usually begins with the initiation at the weak head-to-head linkage at 171.12°C [35], and this has been observed in Figure 2(a). Hence the first stage of weight loss is due to the head-to-head scission of the unsaturated end group [36]. The last two degradations occurred at 286.94°C and 363.32°C which can be ascribed to the initiation at the unsaturated end and at the polymer backbone, respectively [37]. The nanocomposites, ZnS/PMMA and CdS/PMMA, displayed different degradation temp from the pure polymer, Figures 2(b) and 2(c). The temperature of maximum decomposition of the last stage which appeared in pure PMMA at 363.32°C occurred at 374.25 and 375.89°C in ZnS/PMMA and CdS/PMMA, respectively. The major weight loss in PMMA occurred within the range of 180–380°C which is in agreement with the structural decomposition of the polymer [36]. On the other hand, the decomposition of ZnS/PMMA nanocomposites occurred over the range of 180–420°C and 180–425°C for the CdS/PMMA nanocomposites. The DSC shows three endothermic peaks in pure PMMA which correspond to three degradation stages while two endothermic peaks are shown in ZnS/PMMA and only one is shown in CdS/PMMA. Thus, the thermal stability of both polymer nanocomposites is greater than that of the pure polymer matrix. The thermal stability of the PMMA has been improved by the incorporation of ZnS and CdS separately into the polymer matrix.Figure 2
Overlapped TGA, DTG, and DSC of (a) pure PMMA, (b) ZnS/PMMA, and (c) CdS/PMMA.
(a)
(b)
(c)


#### 3.1.2. Thermal Analysis of PVA and Nanocomposites

Figures3(a)–3(c) present the overlapped TGA and DTG curves of the pure PVA, ZnS/PVA, and CdS/PVA nanocomposites. There are three stages of weight loss in the degradation pattern of the pure PVA. The earliest one which is between 80 and 220°C is attributed to the evaporation of physically weak and chemically bound water [38]. The maximum rate of decomposition of this first stage is at 210°C, under the experimental conditions. It corresponds to a 28% weight loss. The second decomposition step is in the temperature range of 230 to 430°C, causing a total weight loss of about 80% and the maximum rate of decomposition is 271°C. The final decomposition temperature occurred in the range of 410 to 500°C with peak at 426°C, and this is assigned to the cleavage of the C-C pillar of the PVA [39]. The ZnS/PVA degradation pattern is different from that of the pure PVA; only two major decomposition stages occurred. The temperature of the highest rate of decomposition observed at 271°C in the pure polymer occurred at around 370°C in the nanocomposites. This indicates an enhanced thermal stability with about 100°C. A plateau occurred at 449°C indicating the end of the decomposition, which is about 26°C higher when compared with the temperature recorded for pure PVA. In the TGA curve of CdS/PVA, there are 4 stages of decomposition. The first decomposition occurred in the range 40 to 80°C, and this can be attributed to the expulsion of chemically bound water [40]. This was followed with 3 decomposition steps with peaks at 270, 349, and 432°C, respectively. After the last decomposition, approximately 60% weight loss occurred in the nanocomposites with enhanced thermal stability.Figure 3
Overlapped TGA, DTG, and DSC of (a) pure PVA, (b) ZnS/PVA, and (c) CdS/PVA.
(a)
(b)
(c)


#### 3.1.3. Thermal Analysis of PVP and Nanocomposites

Figures4(a)–4(c) show the overlapped TGA-DTG graph of pure PVP and the corresponding nanocomposites. There are two stages of decomposition in the pure PVP as can be inferred from the differential thermal gravimetric (DTG) curve. The first decomposition step which occurred between 50 and 100°C with slight weight loss can be attributed to the evaporation of physically trapped moisture [41]. The decomposition of the PVP commenced at 350°C and ended at 480°C, accompanied with about 95% weight loss [42]. There appeared complete decomposition of the PVP occurring at 429°C and it is accompanied with single DSC endothermic peak maximum at 282°C [43]. The TG and DTG curves of ZnS/PVP are similar to the pure PVP, with two stages of decomposition but with enhanced thermal decomposition temperature observed at 433°C. This could be ascribed to the effect of the incorporation of ZnS in the matrices of the PVP and good interaction between PVP and the ZnS nanoparticles. The composite shows a major weight loss of about 74% between 410 and 470°C. The TG and DTG of CdS/PVP show a slight variation from that of pure PVP with a decomposition peak at 433°C. It also displayed a significant weight loss of approximately 72% in the temperature range of 390–467°C. The DTG peak maximum for the ZnS/PVP and CdS/PVP is 433°C and 432°C compared to 429°C of the pure PVP. The TGA curves of the ZnS/PVP and CdS/PVP maintain a plateau from 496°C and 483°C, respectively, due to the complete decomposition of the volatile part of PVP leaving the metal sulfide and negligible weight of the stable substrate as the final residue.Figure 4
Overlapped TGA, DTG, and DSC of (a) pure PVP, (b) ZnS/PVP, and (c) CdS/PVP.
(a)
(b)
(c)The results obtained from the TGA and DTG show that the interactions of the ZnS and CdS nanoparticles with the polymers enhance thermal stability of the resulting polymer nanocomposites. This is deduced from the data obtained when the decomposition temperatures of the nanocomposites are relatively compared with the variation in the decomposition temperature of their respective pure polymers. The summary of this is presented in Table1. The sequence of thermal stabilities as a result of the incorporation of the nanoparticles in the polymer matrices is in the following order: ZnS/PVA > CdS/PVA > CdS/PMMA > ZnS/PMMA > CdS/PVP > ZnS/PVP.Table 1
Summary of decomposition temperatures of nanocomposites relative to variation in the decomposition of their respective pure polymers.
Nanocomposites
DTG decomposition peak max (°C)
Decomposition temperature range (°C)
Extent of enhanced  thermal stability of nanocomposites (°C)
ZnS/PMMA
374
320–457
9
CdS/PMMA
376
340–449
12
ZnS/PVA
370
330–449
98
CdS/PVA
350
270–432
78
ZnS/PVP
433
360–496
3
CdS/PVP
432
370–482
7


### 3.2. X-Ray Diffraction Studies of Nanocomposites

#### 3.2.1. XRD of Pure PMMA and Its Composites: MS/PMMA (Where M=Zn or Cd)

The XRD pattern of pure PMMA, ZnS/PMMA, and CdS/PMMA nanocomposites measured in the scan range of 10 to 80° is shown in Figure5(a). The amorphous nature of PMMA is indicated by the presence of the first broad peak at lower diffraction angle around (10–20°). From the pattern, the characteristic peak for pure PMMA is observed at 2θ value = 12.85° [44]. ZnS/PMMA exhibits two broadened diffraction peaks (from 25°–43°) which may be due to overlapping of (100), (002), and (101) miller indices. These peaks correlate well with hexagonal ZnS wurtzite (structure standard pattern of JCPDS card number 80-0007). The diffraction peaks are in agreement with earlier reported studies [45, 46]. For the CdS/PMMA the diffraction peaks appeared at 13.32°, 28.24°, 43.13°, and 52.88°. The diffraction peaks at 2
θ = 13.32° are the typical of PMMA. The peaks at 28.24°, 43.13°, and 52.88° are indexed to scattering from the (111), (220), and (311) cubic phase of CdS planes [47]. The mean crystallite sizes of the ZnS/PMMA and CdS/PMMA could not be calculated using the Debye-Scherer equation due to the overlap of the nanoparticles and polymer peaks. The broadening of the XRD peaks is indicative of the small particle sizes of the as-prepared nanocomposites [48].Figure 5
XRD diffractions patterns of pure PMMA and its respective nanocomposites (a), pure PVA and its respective nanocomposites (b), and pure PVP and its respective nanocomposites (c).
(a)
(b)
(c)


#### 3.2.2. XRD of Pure PVA and Its Composites: MS/PVA (Where M=Zn or Cd)

XRD pattern of pure PVA, PVA/ZnS, and PVA/CdS is shown in Figure5(b). The diffraction peaks of the pure PVA exhibits four peaks at 2
θ = 10.81°, 19.37°, 22.52°, and 40.19° which correspond to the crystalline phase of PVA [49]. The crystalline nature of PVA stems up from the strong intermolecular interaction between PVA chains through the intermolecular hydrogen bonding [50]. In the diffraction pattern of the ZnS/PVA, the peaks that are attributable to ZnS nanoparticles of the composite are observed at 2
θ = 26.94°, 47.01° and their miller indices are (100) and (110), which suggest the presence of hexagonal phase of ZnS (wurtzite). Similar results have been reported in literature [51]. 2
θ = 19.37°, 22.52°, 40.19°, and 22.15° being characteristic peak of PVA component. Nevertheless, another peak is expected around 2
θ = 52° (103) and this is not distinguishable. This observation has been reported in previous research by other authors [52].The low intensity of ZnS/PVA peaks can be attributed to interaction of metal sulfides with PVA; metal sulfides decrease the degree of PVA crystallinity when incorporated in PVA polymer [53]. In the XRD pattern of the PVA/CdS composite, the characteristic peak of the PVA is noticeable with other peaks at 2
θ = 10.96°, 19.73°, 22.50°, 31.74°, and 40.72° and their miller indices are (100), (101), (200), (002), and (111), respectively. The peaks from the CdS nanoparticles of the composites are observed at 2
θ = 26.57°, 36.63°, 46.26°, and 52.42°. These peaks could be indexed to the scattering from (111), (102), (103), and (311) hexagonal and cubic phase of CdS, respectively. The peaks correlate with both diffraction peaks associated with hexagonal phase of CdS (2
θ = 36.84 and 46.82°) [54] and cubic phase of CdS (26.85 and 52.24°) [55] and indicate the admixture of both phases. The particles sizes could not be calculated from using Debye-Scherer equation because the peaks overlap with the polymer peaks.


#### 3.2.3. XRD of Pure PVP and Its Composites: MS/PVP (Where M=Zn or Cd)

Figure6(c) shows the XRD patterns of the pure PVP, and its respective nanocomposites are ZnS/PVP and CdS/PVP. The peaks around 2
θ = 10.5° and 21.53° are typical characteristic peak of PVP [56–59]. ZnS/PVP shows two peaks at 2
θ = 10.5° and 21.53°, which correspond to the characteristic peak of pure PVP and another two broadened peaks which may be ascribed to the wurtzite phase of ZnS. This diffraction pattern is in agreement with earlier observation [46]. The XRD pattern of the PVP/CdS exhibited 4 peaks at 2
θ = 25.39°, 43.06°, 46.82°, and 51.70° which correspond to the (111), (220), and (311) miller indices. These peaks match with the cubic CdS of JCPDS file (JCPDS number 10-454) [60]. The absence of peaks at 2
θ values of 24.8°, 36.2°, and 47.84° ruled out the possibility of hexagonal phase CdS presence in CdS/PVP [61]. The average particle sizes of ZnS/PVP and CdS/PVP could not be calculated using Debye-Scherer formula due to the overlap of the nanoparticles and polymer peaks. Hence, they were estimated from TEM and UV-visible.Figure 6
TEM micrographs of (a) ZnS/PMMA, (b) CdS/PMMA, (c) ZnS/PVA, (d) CdS/PVA, (e) ZnS/PVP, and (f) CdS/PVP.


### 3.3. Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) Studies

Figure6(a) shows the TEM images of the ZnS/PMMA, which appeared as slightly spherical shape, which are loosely distributed with an average particle size in the range of 1.51–3.35 nm. Figure 6(b) shows the CdS/PMMA nanocomposites with CdS also embedded in the matrices of PMMA. The nanoparticles have a rod shape and with an average size in the range of 4.07–6.92 nm. These particles are homogenous and almost equally distributed in the PMMA matrices. It could be noted that there occurs a slight difference in the particle size estimation using the XRD and the TEM and this can be ascribed to the intrinsic twining and dislocation present in the lattice of the sample [62]. Figures 6(c) and 6(d) represent the TEM micrograph of ZnS/PVA and CdS/PVA, respectively. Figure 6(c) shows the incorporated ZnS nanoparticles in PVA matrices. The nanoparticles are rod-shaped with sizes in the range of 2.44–5.87 nm. TEM micrograph in Figure 6(d) reveals cocoon-like shaped materials with size in the region of 2.57–4.90 nm. The nanoparticles appear to be polydispersed and aggregated.The TEM micrograph of ZnS/PVP presented in Figure6(e) reveals uniform distribution of spherical ZnS embedded in the polymer matrices of the PVP. The sizes of the ZnS nanoparticles are in the range of 1.5–3.25 nm. It is apparent from the TEM micrograph of CdS/PVP, Figure 6(f), that CdS nanoparticles embedded in the polymer matrix of PVP are distinguishable, although they are in contact with one another. They are bit agglomerated into a massive structure although they reveal an average particle size whose range is in the region of 1.75–4.55 nm.


### 3.4. Scanning Electron Microscopy of (SEM) Studies

The micrographs shown in Figures7(a)–7(e) are a representative SEM image of the pure PMMA, the PMMA/ZnS, and PMMA/CdS at low and high magnifications and it was observed that the ZnS nanofillers cause remarkable change in the morphology of pure PMMA (as observed in Figure 7(b)). Higher magnification images show the presence of slight agglomeration, and this might be due to the existence of a larger interaction between nanoparticles as compared with polymer-particle interaction [63]. The SEM image of the PMMA/CdS presented in Figure 7(d) exhibited homogenous dispersion of CdS in the PMMA unlike the agglomeration observed at higher magnification, Figure 7(e).Figure 7
SEM micrographs of (a) pure PMMA, (b) ZnS/PMMA-low mag., (c) ZnS/PMMA-high mag., (d) CdS/PMMA-low mag., and (e) CdS/PMMA-high magnification.The micrograph in Figures8(a)–8(e) shows the pure PVA, ZnS/PVA, and CdS/PVA nanocomposites. The pure PVA is made up of fine spherical material. There is a significant change in the morphology of PVA/ZnS and CdS/PVA with the former exhibiting a uniform dispersion of the ZnS nanofillers in the PVA polymer matrices, Figure 8(b). The SEM micrograph of PVA/CdS at higher magnification displays an almost splitting image of the pure PVA with CdS embedded in the polymeric matrix. The image shows rounded spheres of uniformly dispersed CdS nanoparticles in the PVA polymer matrix. Pure PVP is presented in Figure 9(a), with a smooth flower-like material. Part of the ZnS/PVP layers appeared to be exfoliated with the ZnS embedded in the PVP polymer matrix, Figures 9(b) and 9(c). The micrograph of CdS/PVP at lower magnification, Figure 9(d), did not show an appreciable result unlike the image at higher magnification which shows the CdS that appeared to be incorporated in the matrix of the PVP as spherical uniformly dispersed particles, Figure 9(e).Figure 8
SEM micrographs of (a) pure PVA, (b) ZnS/PVA-low mag., (c) ZnS/PVA-high mag., (d) CdS/PVA-low mag., and (e) CdS/PVA-high mag.Figure 9
SEM micrographs of (a) pure PVP, (b) ZnS/PVP-low mag., (c) ZnS/PVP-high mag., (d) CdS/PVP-low mag., and (e) CdS/PVP-high mag.


### 3.5. Optical Property of the Nanocomposites

The absorptions spectra of the pure polymers with the respective nanocomposites are presented in Figures10(a)–10(c). All the polymers are not absorbed within the measured range as evident in the absence of absorption peak in the spectrum. The onset absorption for CdS/PMMA, CdS/PVA, and CdS/PVP was found as a shoulder at approximately 457 nm (2.72 eV), 441 nm (2.82 eV), and 438 nm (3.21 eV), respectively. The absorption peak of these nanocomposites shows that they are 58 nm, 74 nm, and 77 nm blue shifted from the bulk CdS, 515 nm (2.40 eV) [64]. The spectra of the ZnS/PMMA, ZnS/PVA, and ZnS/PVP show absorption on set at approximately 316 nm (3.92 eV), 314 nm (2.25 eV), and 327 nm (3.42 eV), respectively. When compared with the bulk ZnS 340 nm (3.66 eV) [65], they are 24 nm, 26 nm, and 13 nm blue shifted. The blue shifts of the polymer nanocomposites are indicative of quantum confinements of the embedded nanoparticles. It is important to note that all the nanocomposites exhibit enhanced quantum confinement except CdS/PMMA and CdS/PVA when compared with the HDA-capped ZnS and CdS that were earlier reported [23]. The optical band gap energy of nanocrystalline samples is determined from the absorption on-set of the various UV-Vis spectra and it can be calculated from the absorption peak [66].Figure 10
Absorption spectra of (a) PMMA, ZnS/PMMA, and CdS/PMMA, (b) PVA ZnS/PVA, and CdS/PVA, and (c) PVP, ZnS/PVP, and PVP/CdS.
(a)
(b)
(c)UV-Vis spectrum is used to calculate the particle size of nanocrystals using the effective mass approximation formula (EMA) [67]: (1)
E
np
=
E
g
+
h
π
2
2
R
2
1
m
e
+
1
m
h
-
18
e
2
4
π
ε
0
ε
r
R
,where E
n
p is the band gap of the nanoparticle, E
g is the band gap of the bulk ZnS or CdS, m
e is the effective mass of electron (0.4), m
h is the effective mass of hole (0.61) for ZnS, m
e
=
(
0.19
), and m
h
=
(
0.8
) for CdS. R is the radius of the particle, ε
0 is the permittivity of free space, and ε
r is the dielectric constant. The dielectric constants of ZnS and CdS are 5.2 and 5.7, respectively. Table 2 shows the summary of the optical properties of the various polymer nanocomposite.Table 2
Optical band gaps and blue shifts of absorption band of the metal sulfides/polymer nanocomposites.
Sample
Wavelength (nm)
Band gap (eV)
Blue shift (eV)
ZnS/PMMA
316
3.92
0.26
CdS/PMMA
457
2.71
0.31
ZnS/PVA
314
3.95
0.29
CdS/PVA
441
2.82
0.42
ZnS/PVP
327
3.79
0.13
CdS/PVP
438
2.83
0.43


## 3.1. FTIR Spectra Studies

Figure1(a) shows the overlapped FTIR spectra of pure PMMA and the respective nanocomposites incorporating ZnS and CdS nanoparticles. The graphs are rescaled to allow overlapping. Pure PMMA and the corresponding ZnS and CdS nanocomposites show a weak band in the range of 3448–3455 cm−1 that is due to stretching vibration of O-H. PMMA exhibits bands around 2952 and 2823 cm−1 that are assigned to C-H asymmetric and symmetric stretching vibrations, respectively. The bending vibrational bands of the methyl group appear around 1490 cm−1 and 1457 cm−1 [27]. Furthermore, there is a sharp and intense band at 1769 cm−1 which is attributed to the stretching vibration of the carbonyl, C=O. The ZnS/PMMA and CdS/PMMA nanocomposites showed stretching vibrations that are not really different from the pure PMMA and this is indicative of weak chemical interaction between the host polymer and the nanoparticles. Similar studies about the interaction of PMMA and nanoparticles have been reported by other researchers [28]. HDA was used as a passivating agent for the metal sulfide nanoparticle and peaks in the region of 3181–3336 cm−1 can be ascribed to the N-H stretching of primary amine. These peaks are observable in the infrared absorption spectra of the nanocomposites and it is indicative of the presence of HDA [29, 30].Figure 1
FTIR spectra of (a) pure PMMA, ZnS/PMMA, and CdS/PMMA, (b) pure PVA, ZnS/PVA, and CdS/PVA, and (c) pure PVP, ZnS/PVP, and CdS/PVP.
(a)
(b)
(c)Figure1(b) presents the overlapped FTIR spectra of pure PVA and the respective composites with ZnS and CdS nanoparticles. PVA exhibits a broadband at 3429 cm−1 which is assigned to O-H stretching frequency of the hydroxyl group. This band has been shifted to 3425 and 3424 cm−1 in ZnS/PVA and CdS/PVA, respectively. Two bands observed in the pure PVA at 2942, 1755 cm−1 which correspond to C-H and C=O stretching vibrations, respectively, are found at 2938, 1710 cm−1 and 2931, 1749 cm−1 in ZnS/PVA and CdS/PVA polymer nanocomposites. The absorption band at 1646 cm−1 due to C=C stretching in the PVA appears at 1659 and 1653 cm−1 in the ZnS/PVA and CdS/PVA nanocomposites, respectively. The observation of characteristics bands of PVA in ZnS/PVA and CdS/PVA confirms the interaction between these semiconductor inorganic nanoparticles and PVA. Similar results have also been reported for ZnS/PVA [31] and CdS/PVA [32].The interaction between the nanoparticles and the PVP, host polymer, was also investigated. Figure1(c) shows the overlapped spectra of PVP and their respective nanocomposites. In the FTIR spectrum of PVP, the band at 1681 cm−1 is due to the C=O stretching mode and after the formation of ZnS/PVP and CdS/PVP nanocomposites the C=O stretching band appears at 1663 and 1641 cm−1. The red shift of 17 and 40 cm−1, respectively, indicates a strong interaction between the nanoparticles and the PVP host. The band in the region of 1500–1300 cm−1 is fairly strong and this is because of the contribution from the in-plane C-H bending of different—CH2 and—CH moieties. Most likely the C-H bending modes are coupled with C-N stretching modes. The existence of strong interactions between ZnS and CdS with PVP has also been reported before [33, 34].


### 3.1.1. Thermal Analysis of PMMA and Nanocomposites

The thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) of the pure PMMA, the ZnS/PMMA, and CdS/PMMA nanocomposites is presented in Figures2(a)–2(c), respectively. The thermal degradation of PMMA occurs in three stages, as inferred from the DTG graph. The degradation of PMMA usually begins with the initiation at the weak head-to-head linkage at 171.12°C [35], and this has been observed in Figure 2(a). Hence the first stage of weight loss is due to the head-to-head scission of the unsaturated end group [36]. The last two degradations occurred at 286.94°C and 363.32°C which can be ascribed to the initiation at the unsaturated end and at the polymer backbone, respectively [37]. The nanocomposites, ZnS/PMMA and CdS/PMMA, displayed different degradation temp from the pure polymer, Figures 2(b) and 2(c). The temperature of maximum decomposition of the last stage which appeared in pure PMMA at 363.32°C occurred at 374.25 and 375.89°C in ZnS/PMMA and CdS/PMMA, respectively. The major weight loss in PMMA occurred within the range of 180–380°C which is in agreement with the structural decomposition of the polymer [36]. On the other hand, the decomposition of ZnS/PMMA nanocomposites occurred over the range of 180–420°C and 180–425°C for the CdS/PMMA nanocomposites. The DSC shows three endothermic peaks in pure PMMA which correspond to three degradation stages while two endothermic peaks are shown in ZnS/PMMA and only one is shown in CdS/PMMA. Thus, the thermal stability of both polymer nanocomposites is greater than that of the pure polymer matrix. The thermal stability of the PMMA has been improved by the incorporation of ZnS and CdS separately into the polymer matrix.Figure 2
Overlapped TGA, DTG, and DSC of (a) pure PMMA, (b) ZnS/PMMA, and (c) CdS/PMMA.
(a)
(b)
(c)


### 3.1.2. Thermal Analysis of PVA and Nanocomposites

Figures3(a)–3(c) present the overlapped TGA and DTG curves of the pure PVA, ZnS/PVA, and CdS/PVA nanocomposites. There are three stages of weight loss in the degradation pattern of the pure PVA. The earliest one which is between 80 and 220°C is attributed to the evaporation of physically weak and chemically bound water [38]. The maximum rate of decomposition of this first stage is at 210°C, under the experimental conditions. It corresponds to a 28% weight loss. The second decomposition step is in the temperature range of 230 to 430°C, causing a total weight loss of about 80% and the maximum rate of decomposition is 271°C. The final decomposition temperature occurred in the range of 410 to 500°C with peak at 426°C, and this is assigned to the cleavage of the C-C pillar of the PVA [39]. The ZnS/PVA degradation pattern is different from that of the pure PVA; only two major decomposition stages occurred. The temperature of the highest rate of decomposition observed at 271°C in the pure polymer occurred at around 370°C in the nanocomposites. This indicates an enhanced thermal stability with about 100°C. A plateau occurred at 449°C indicating the end of the decomposition, which is about 26°C higher when compared with the temperature recorded for pure PVA. In the TGA curve of CdS/PVA, there are 4 stages of decomposition. The first decomposition occurred in the range 40 to 80°C, and this can be attributed to the expulsion of chemically bound water [40]. This was followed with 3 decomposition steps with peaks at 270, 349, and 432°C, respectively. After the last decomposition, approximately 60% weight loss occurred in the nanocomposites with enhanced thermal stability.Figure 3
Overlapped TGA, DTG, and DSC of (a) pure PVA, (b) ZnS/PVA, and (c) CdS/PVA.
(a)
(b)
(c)


### 3.1.3. Thermal Analysis of PVP and Nanocomposites

Figures4(a)–4(c) show the overlapped TGA-DTG graph of pure PVP and the corresponding nanocomposites. There are two stages of decomposition in the pure PVP as can be inferred from the differential thermal gravimetric (DTG) curve. The first decomposition step which occurred between 50 and 100°C with slight weight loss can be attributed to the evaporation of physically trapped moisture [41]. The decomposition of the PVP commenced at 350°C and ended at 480°C, accompanied with about 95% weight loss [42]. There appeared complete decomposition of the PVP occurring at 429°C and it is accompanied with single DSC endothermic peak maximum at 282°C [43]. The TG and DTG curves of ZnS/PVP are similar to the pure PVP, with two stages of decomposition but with enhanced thermal decomposition temperature observed at 433°C. This could be ascribed to the effect of the incorporation of ZnS in the matrices of the PVP and good interaction between PVP and the ZnS nanoparticles. The composite shows a major weight loss of about 74% between 410 and 470°C. The TG and DTG of CdS/PVP show a slight variation from that of pure PVP with a decomposition peak at 433°C. It also displayed a significant weight loss of approximately 72% in the temperature range of 390–467°C. The DTG peak maximum for the ZnS/PVP and CdS/PVP is 433°C and 432°C compared to 429°C of the pure PVP. The TGA curves of the ZnS/PVP and CdS/PVP maintain a plateau from 496°C and 483°C, respectively, due to the complete decomposition of the volatile part of PVP leaving the metal sulfide and negligible weight of the stable substrate as the final residue.Figure 4
Overlapped TGA, DTG, and DSC of (a) pure PVP, (b) ZnS/PVP, and (c) CdS/PVP.
(a)
(b)
(c)The results obtained from the TGA and DTG show that the interactions of the ZnS and CdS nanoparticles with the polymers enhance thermal stability of the resulting polymer nanocomposites. This is deduced from the data obtained when the decomposition temperatures of the nanocomposites are relatively compared with the variation in the decomposition temperature of their respective pure polymers. The summary of this is presented in Table1. The sequence of thermal stabilities as a result of the incorporation of the nanoparticles in the polymer matrices is in the following order: ZnS/PVA > CdS/PVA > CdS/PMMA > ZnS/PMMA > CdS/PVP > ZnS/PVP.Table 1
Summary of decomposition temperatures of nanocomposites relative to variation in the decomposition of their respective pure polymers.
Nanocomposites
DTG decomposition peak max (°C)
Decomposition temperature range (°C)
Extent of enhanced  thermal stability of nanocomposites (°C)
ZnS/PMMA
374
320–457
9
CdS/PMMA
376
340–449
12
ZnS/PVA
370
330–449
98
CdS/PVA
350
270–432
78
ZnS/PVP
433
360–496
3
CdS/PVP
432
370–482
7


## 3.1.1. Thermal Analysis of PMMA and Nanocomposites

The thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) of the pure PMMA, the ZnS/PMMA, and CdS/PMMA nanocomposites is presented in Figures2(a)–2(c), respectively. The thermal degradation of PMMA occurs in three stages, as inferred from the DTG graph. The degradation of PMMA usually begins with the initiation at the weak head-to-head linkage at 171.12°C [35], and this has been observed in Figure 2(a). Hence the first stage of weight loss is due to the head-to-head scission of the unsaturated end group [36]. The last two degradations occurred at 286.94°C and 363.32°C which can be ascribed to the initiation at the unsaturated end and at the polymer backbone, respectively [37]. The nanocomposites, ZnS/PMMA and CdS/PMMA, displayed different degradation temp from the pure polymer, Figures 2(b) and 2(c). The temperature of maximum decomposition of the last stage which appeared in pure PMMA at 363.32°C occurred at 374.25 and 375.89°C in ZnS/PMMA and CdS/PMMA, respectively. The major weight loss in PMMA occurred within the range of 180–380°C which is in agreement with the structural decomposition of the polymer [36]. On the other hand, the decomposition of ZnS/PMMA nanocomposites occurred over the range of 180–420°C and 180–425°C for the CdS/PMMA nanocomposites. The DSC shows three endothermic peaks in pure PMMA which correspond to three degradation stages while two endothermic peaks are shown in ZnS/PMMA and only one is shown in CdS/PMMA. Thus, the thermal stability of both polymer nanocomposites is greater than that of the pure polymer matrix. The thermal stability of the PMMA has been improved by the incorporation of ZnS and CdS separately into the polymer matrix.Figure 2
Overlapped TGA, DTG, and DSC of (a) pure PMMA, (b) ZnS/PMMA, and (c) CdS/PMMA.
(a)
(b)
(c)


## 3.1.2. Thermal Analysis of PVA and Nanocomposites

Figures3(a)–3(c) present the overlapped TGA and DTG curves of the pure PVA, ZnS/PVA, and CdS/PVA nanocomposites. There are three stages of weight loss in the degradation pattern of the pure PVA. The earliest one which is between 80 and 220°C is attributed to the evaporation of physically weak and chemically bound water [38]. The maximum rate of decomposition of this first stage is at 210°C, under the experimental conditions. It corresponds to a 28% weight loss. The second decomposition step is in the temperature range of 230 to 430°C, causing a total weight loss of about 80% and the maximum rate of decomposition is 271°C. The final decomposition temperature occurred in the range of 410 to 500°C with peak at 426°C, and this is assigned to the cleavage of the C-C pillar of the PVA [39]. The ZnS/PVA degradation pattern is different from that of the pure PVA; only two major decomposition stages occurred. The temperature of the highest rate of decomposition observed at 271°C in the pure polymer occurred at around 370°C in the nanocomposites. This indicates an enhanced thermal stability with about 100°C. A plateau occurred at 449°C indicating the end of the decomposition, which is about 26°C higher when compared with the temperature recorded for pure PVA. In the TGA curve of CdS/PVA, there are 4 stages of decomposition. The first decomposition occurred in the range 40 to 80°C, and this can be attributed to the expulsion of chemically bound water [40]. This was followed with 3 decomposition steps with peaks at 270, 349, and 432°C, respectively. After the last decomposition, approximately 60% weight loss occurred in the nanocomposites with enhanced thermal stability.Figure 3
Overlapped TGA, DTG, and DSC of (a) pure PVA, (b) ZnS/PVA, and (c) CdS/PVA.
(a)
(b)
(c)


## 3.1.3. Thermal Analysis of PVP and Nanocomposites

Figures4(a)–4(c) show the overlapped TGA-DTG graph of pure PVP and the corresponding nanocomposites. There are two stages of decomposition in the pure PVP as can be inferred from the differential thermal gravimetric (DTG) curve. The first decomposition step which occurred between 50 and 100°C with slight weight loss can be attributed to the evaporation of physically trapped moisture [41]. The decomposition of the PVP commenced at 350°C and ended at 480°C, accompanied with about 95% weight loss [42]. There appeared complete decomposition of the PVP occurring at 429°C and it is accompanied with single DSC endothermic peak maximum at 282°C [43]. The TG and DTG curves of ZnS/PVP are similar to the pure PVP, with two stages of decomposition but with enhanced thermal decomposition temperature observed at 433°C. This could be ascribed to the effect of the incorporation of ZnS in the matrices of the PVP and good interaction between PVP and the ZnS nanoparticles. The composite shows a major weight loss of about 74% between 410 and 470°C. The TG and DTG of CdS/PVP show a slight variation from that of pure PVP with a decomposition peak at 433°C. It also displayed a significant weight loss of approximately 72% in the temperature range of 390–467°C. The DTG peak maximum for the ZnS/PVP and CdS/PVP is 433°C and 432°C compared to 429°C of the pure PVP. The TGA curves of the ZnS/PVP and CdS/PVP maintain a plateau from 496°C and 483°C, respectively, due to the complete decomposition of the volatile part of PVP leaving the metal sulfide and negligible weight of the stable substrate as the final residue.Figure 4
Overlapped TGA, DTG, and DSC of (a) pure PVP, (b) ZnS/PVP, and (c) CdS/PVP.
(a)
(b)
(c)The results obtained from the TGA and DTG show that the interactions of the ZnS and CdS nanoparticles with the polymers enhance thermal stability of the resulting polymer nanocomposites. This is deduced from the data obtained when the decomposition temperatures of the nanocomposites are relatively compared with the variation in the decomposition temperature of their respective pure polymers. The summary of this is presented in Table1. The sequence of thermal stabilities as a result of the incorporation of the nanoparticles in the polymer matrices is in the following order: ZnS/PVA > CdS/PVA > CdS/PMMA > ZnS/PMMA > CdS/PVP > ZnS/PVP.Table 1
Summary of decomposition temperatures of nanocomposites relative to variation in the decomposition of their respective pure polymers.
Nanocomposites
DTG decomposition peak max (°C)
Decomposition temperature range (°C)
Extent of enhanced  thermal stability of nanocomposites (°C)
ZnS/PMMA
374
320–457
9
CdS/PMMA
376
340–449
12
ZnS/PVA
370
330–449
98
CdS/PVA
350
270–432
78
ZnS/PVP
433
360–496
3
CdS/PVP
432
370–482
7


## 3.2. X-Ray Diffraction Studies of Nanocomposites

### 3.2.1. XRD of Pure PMMA and Its Composites: MS/PMMA (Where M=Zn or Cd)

The XRD pattern of pure PMMA, ZnS/PMMA, and CdS/PMMA nanocomposites measured in the scan range of 10 to 80° is shown in Figure5(a). The amorphous nature of PMMA is indicated by the presence of the first broad peak at lower diffraction angle around (10–20°). From the pattern, the characteristic peak for pure PMMA is observed at 2θ value = 12.85° [44]. ZnS/PMMA exhibits two broadened diffraction peaks (from 25°–43°) which may be due to overlapping of (100), (002), and (101) miller indices. These peaks correlate well with hexagonal ZnS wurtzite (structure standard pattern of JCPDS card number 80-0007). The diffraction peaks are in agreement with earlier reported studies [45, 46]. For the CdS/PMMA the diffraction peaks appeared at 13.32°, 28.24°, 43.13°, and 52.88°. The diffraction peaks at 2
θ = 13.32° are the typical of PMMA. The peaks at 28.24°, 43.13°, and 52.88° are indexed to scattering from the (111), (220), and (311) cubic phase of CdS planes [47]. The mean crystallite sizes of the ZnS/PMMA and CdS/PMMA could not be calculated using the Debye-Scherer equation due to the overlap of the nanoparticles and polymer peaks. The broadening of the XRD peaks is indicative of the small particle sizes of the as-prepared nanocomposites [48].Figure 5
XRD diffractions patterns of pure PMMA and its respective nanocomposites (a), pure PVA and its respective nanocomposites (b), and pure PVP and its respective nanocomposites (c).
(a)
(b)
(c)


### 3.2.2. XRD of Pure PVA and Its Composites: MS/PVA (Where M=Zn or Cd)

XRD pattern of pure PVA, PVA/ZnS, and PVA/CdS is shown in Figure5(b). The diffraction peaks of the pure PVA exhibits four peaks at 2
θ = 10.81°, 19.37°, 22.52°, and 40.19° which correspond to the crystalline phase of PVA [49]. The crystalline nature of PVA stems up from the strong intermolecular interaction between PVA chains through the intermolecular hydrogen bonding [50]. In the diffraction pattern of the ZnS/PVA, the peaks that are attributable to ZnS nanoparticles of the composite are observed at 2
θ = 26.94°, 47.01° and their miller indices are (100) and (110), which suggest the presence of hexagonal phase of ZnS (wurtzite). Similar results have been reported in literature [51]. 2
θ = 19.37°, 22.52°, 40.19°, and 22.15° being characteristic peak of PVA component. Nevertheless, another peak is expected around 2
θ = 52° (103) and this is not distinguishable. This observation has been reported in previous research by other authors [52].The low intensity of ZnS/PVA peaks can be attributed to interaction of metal sulfides with PVA; metal sulfides decrease the degree of PVA crystallinity when incorporated in PVA polymer [53]. In the XRD pattern of the PVA/CdS composite, the characteristic peak of the PVA is noticeable with other peaks at 2
θ = 10.96°, 19.73°, 22.50°, 31.74°, and 40.72° and their miller indices are (100), (101), (200), (002), and (111), respectively. The peaks from the CdS nanoparticles of the composites are observed at 2
θ = 26.57°, 36.63°, 46.26°, and 52.42°. These peaks could be indexed to the scattering from (111), (102), (103), and (311) hexagonal and cubic phase of CdS, respectively. The peaks correlate with both diffraction peaks associated with hexagonal phase of CdS (2
θ = 36.84 and 46.82°) [54] and cubic phase of CdS (26.85 and 52.24°) [55] and indicate the admixture of both phases. The particles sizes could not be calculated from using Debye-Scherer equation because the peaks overlap with the polymer peaks.


### 3.2.3. XRD of Pure PVP and Its Composites: MS/PVP (Where M=Zn or Cd)

Figure6(c) shows the XRD patterns of the pure PVP, and its respective nanocomposites are ZnS/PVP and CdS/PVP. The peaks around 2
θ = 10.5° and 21.53° are typical characteristic peak of PVP [56–59]. ZnS/PVP shows two peaks at 2
θ = 10.5° and 21.53°, which correspond to the characteristic peak of pure PVP and another two broadened peaks which may be ascribed to the wurtzite phase of ZnS. This diffraction pattern is in agreement with earlier observation [46]. The XRD pattern of the PVP/CdS exhibited 4 peaks at 2
θ = 25.39°, 43.06°, 46.82°, and 51.70° which correspond to the (111), (220), and (311) miller indices. These peaks match with the cubic CdS of JCPDS file (JCPDS number 10-454) [60]. The absence of peaks at 2
θ values of 24.8°, 36.2°, and 47.84° ruled out the possibility of hexagonal phase CdS presence in CdS/PVP [61]. The average particle sizes of ZnS/PVP and CdS/PVP could not be calculated using Debye-Scherer formula due to the overlap of the nanoparticles and polymer peaks. Hence, they were estimated from TEM and UV-visible.Figure 6
TEM micrographs of (a) ZnS/PMMA, (b) CdS/PMMA, (c) ZnS/PVA, (d) CdS/PVA, (e) ZnS/PVP, and (f) CdS/PVP.


## 3.2.1. XRD of Pure PMMA and Its Composites: MS/PMMA (Where M=Zn or Cd)

The XRD pattern of pure PMMA, ZnS/PMMA, and CdS/PMMA nanocomposites measured in the scan range of 10 to 80° is shown in Figure5(a). The amorphous nature of PMMA is indicated by the presence of the first broad peak at lower diffraction angle around (10–20°). From the pattern, the characteristic peak for pure PMMA is observed at 2θ value = 12.85° [44]. ZnS/PMMA exhibits two broadened diffraction peaks (from 25°–43°) which may be due to overlapping of (100), (002), and (101) miller indices. These peaks correlate well with hexagonal ZnS wurtzite (structure standard pattern of JCPDS card number 80-0007). The diffraction peaks are in agreement with earlier reported studies [45, 46]. For the CdS/PMMA the diffraction peaks appeared at 13.32°, 28.24°, 43.13°, and 52.88°. The diffraction peaks at 2
θ = 13.32° are the typical of PMMA. The peaks at 28.24°, 43.13°, and 52.88° are indexed to scattering from the (111), (220), and (311) cubic phase of CdS planes [47]. The mean crystallite sizes of the ZnS/PMMA and CdS/PMMA could not be calculated using the Debye-Scherer equation due to the overlap of the nanoparticles and polymer peaks. The broadening of the XRD peaks is indicative of the small particle sizes of the as-prepared nanocomposites [48].Figure 5
XRD diffractions patterns of pure PMMA and its respective nanocomposites (a), pure PVA and its respective nanocomposites (b), and pure PVP and its respective nanocomposites (c).
(a)
(b)
(c)


## 3.2.2. XRD of Pure PVA and Its Composites: MS/PVA (Where M=Zn or Cd)

XRD pattern of pure PVA, PVA/ZnS, and PVA/CdS is shown in Figure5(b). The diffraction peaks of the pure PVA exhibits four peaks at 2
θ = 10.81°, 19.37°, 22.52°, and 40.19° which correspond to the crystalline phase of PVA [49]. The crystalline nature of PVA stems up from the strong intermolecular interaction between PVA chains through the intermolecular hydrogen bonding [50]. In the diffraction pattern of the ZnS/PVA, the peaks that are attributable to ZnS nanoparticles of the composite are observed at 2
θ = 26.94°, 47.01° and their miller indices are (100) and (110), which suggest the presence of hexagonal phase of ZnS (wurtzite). Similar results have been reported in literature [51]. 2
θ = 19.37°, 22.52°, 40.19°, and 22.15° being characteristic peak of PVA component. Nevertheless, another peak is expected around 2
θ = 52° (103) and this is not distinguishable. This observation has been reported in previous research by other authors [52].The low intensity of ZnS/PVA peaks can be attributed to interaction of metal sulfides with PVA; metal sulfides decrease the degree of PVA crystallinity when incorporated in PVA polymer [53]. In the XRD pattern of the PVA/CdS composite, the characteristic peak of the PVA is noticeable with other peaks at 2
θ = 10.96°, 19.73°, 22.50°, 31.74°, and 40.72° and their miller indices are (100), (101), (200), (002), and (111), respectively. The peaks from the CdS nanoparticles of the composites are observed at 2
θ = 26.57°, 36.63°, 46.26°, and 52.42°. These peaks could be indexed to the scattering from (111), (102), (103), and (311) hexagonal and cubic phase of CdS, respectively. The peaks correlate with both diffraction peaks associated with hexagonal phase of CdS (2
θ = 36.84 and 46.82°) [54] and cubic phase of CdS (26.85 and 52.24°) [55] and indicate the admixture of both phases. The particles sizes could not be calculated from using Debye-Scherer equation because the peaks overlap with the polymer peaks.


## 3.2.3. XRD of Pure PVP and Its Composites: MS/PVP (Where M=Zn or Cd)

Figure6(c) shows the XRD patterns of the pure PVP, and its respective nanocomposites are ZnS/PVP and CdS/PVP. The peaks around 2
θ = 10.5° and 21.53° are typical characteristic peak of PVP [56–59]. ZnS/PVP shows two peaks at 2
θ = 10.5° and 21.53°, which correspond to the characteristic peak of pure PVP and another two broadened peaks which may be ascribed to the wurtzite phase of ZnS. This diffraction pattern is in agreement with earlier observation [46]. The XRD pattern of the PVP/CdS exhibited 4 peaks at 2
θ = 25.39°, 43.06°, 46.82°, and 51.70° which correspond to the (111), (220), and (311) miller indices. These peaks match with the cubic CdS of JCPDS file (JCPDS number 10-454) [60]. The absence of peaks at 2
θ values of 24.8°, 36.2°, and 47.84° ruled out the possibility of hexagonal phase CdS presence in CdS/PVP [61]. The average particle sizes of ZnS/PVP and CdS/PVP could not be calculated using Debye-Scherer formula due to the overlap of the nanoparticles and polymer peaks. Hence, they were estimated from TEM and UV-visible.Figure 6
TEM micrographs of (a) ZnS/PMMA, (b) CdS/PMMA, (c) ZnS/PVA, (d) CdS/PVA, (e) ZnS/PVP, and (f) CdS/PVP.


## 3.3. Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) Studies

Figure6(a) shows the TEM images of the ZnS/PMMA, which appeared as slightly spherical shape, which are loosely distributed with an average particle size in the range of 1.51–3.35 nm. Figure 6(b) shows the CdS/PMMA nanocomposites with CdS also embedded in the matrices of PMMA. The nanoparticles have a rod shape and with an average size in the range of 4.07–6.92 nm. These particles are homogenous and almost equally distributed in the PMMA matrices. It could be noted that there occurs a slight difference in the particle size estimation using the XRD and the TEM and this can be ascribed to the intrinsic twining and dislocation present in the lattice of the sample [62]. Figures 6(c) and 6(d) represent the TEM micrograph of ZnS/PVA and CdS/PVA, respectively. Figure 6(c) shows the incorporated ZnS nanoparticles in PVA matrices. The nanoparticles are rod-shaped with sizes in the range of 2.44–5.87 nm. TEM micrograph in Figure 6(d) reveals cocoon-like shaped materials with size in the region of 2.57–4.90 nm. The nanoparticles appear to be polydispersed and aggregated.The TEM micrograph of ZnS/PVP presented in Figure6(e) reveals uniform distribution of spherical ZnS embedded in the polymer matrices of the PVP. The sizes of the ZnS nanoparticles are in the range of 1.5–3.25 nm. It is apparent from the TEM micrograph of CdS/PVP, Figure 6(f), that CdS nanoparticles embedded in the polymer matrix of PVP are distinguishable, although they are in contact with one another. They are bit agglomerated into a massive structure although they reveal an average particle size whose range is in the region of 1.75–4.55 nm.


## 3.4. Scanning Electron Microscopy of (SEM) Studies

The micrographs shown in Figures7(a)–7(e) are a representative SEM image of the pure PMMA, the PMMA/ZnS, and PMMA/CdS at low and high magnifications and it was observed that the ZnS nanofillers cause remarkable change in the morphology of pure PMMA (as observed in Figure 7(b)). Higher magnification images show the presence of slight agglomeration, and this might be due to the existence of a larger interaction between nanoparticles as compared with polymer-particle interaction [63]. The SEM image of the PMMA/CdS presented in Figure 7(d) exhibited homogenous dispersion of CdS in the PMMA unlike the agglomeration observed at higher magnification, Figure 7(e).Figure 7
SEM micrographs of (a) pure PMMA, (b) ZnS/PMMA-low mag., (c) ZnS/PMMA-high mag., (d) CdS/PMMA-low mag., and (e) CdS/PMMA-high magnification.The micrograph in Figures8(a)–8(e) shows the pure PVA, ZnS/PVA, and CdS/PVA nanocomposites. The pure PVA is made up of fine spherical material. There is a significant change in the morphology of PVA/ZnS and CdS/PVA with the former exhibiting a uniform dispersion of the ZnS nanofillers in the PVA polymer matrices, Figure 8(b). The SEM micrograph of PVA/CdS at higher magnification displays an almost splitting image of the pure PVA with CdS embedded in the polymeric matrix. The image shows rounded spheres of uniformly dispersed CdS nanoparticles in the PVA polymer matrix. Pure PVP is presented in Figure 9(a), with a smooth flower-like material. Part of the ZnS/PVP layers appeared to be exfoliated with the ZnS embedded in the PVP polymer matrix, Figures 9(b) and 9(c). The micrograph of CdS/PVP at lower magnification, Figure 9(d), did not show an appreciable result unlike the image at higher magnification which shows the CdS that appeared to be incorporated in the matrix of the PVP as spherical uniformly dispersed particles, Figure 9(e).Figure 8
SEM micrographs of (a) pure PVA, (b) ZnS/PVA-low mag., (c) ZnS/PVA-high mag., (d) CdS/PVA-low mag., and (e) CdS/PVA-high mag.Figure 9
SEM micrographs of (a) pure PVP, (b) ZnS/PVP-low mag., (c) ZnS/PVP-high mag., (d) CdS/PVP-low mag., and (e) CdS/PVP-high mag.


## 3.5. Optical Property of the Nanocomposites

The absorptions spectra of the pure polymers with the respective nanocomposites are presented in Figures10(a)–10(c). All the polymers are not absorbed within the measured range as evident in the absence of absorption peak in the spectrum. The onset absorption for CdS/PMMA, CdS/PVA, and CdS/PVP was found as a shoulder at approximately 457 nm (2.72 eV), 441 nm (2.82 eV), and 438 nm (3.21 eV), respectively. The absorption peak of these nanocomposites shows that they are 58 nm, 74 nm, and 77 nm blue shifted from the bulk CdS, 515 nm (2.40 eV) [64]. The spectra of the ZnS/PMMA, ZnS/PVA, and ZnS/PVP show absorption on set at approximately 316 nm (3.92 eV), 314 nm (2.25 eV), and 327 nm (3.42 eV), respectively. When compared with the bulk ZnS 340 nm (3.66 eV) [65], they are 24 nm, 26 nm, and 13 nm blue shifted. The blue shifts of the polymer nanocomposites are indicative of quantum confinements of the embedded nanoparticles. It is important to note that all the nanocomposites exhibit enhanced quantum confinement except CdS/PMMA and CdS/PVA when compared with the HDA-capped ZnS and CdS that were earlier reported [23]. The optical band gap energy of nanocrystalline samples is determined from the absorption on-set of the various UV-Vis spectra and it can be calculated from the absorption peak [66].Figure 10
Absorption spectra of (a) PMMA, ZnS/PMMA, and CdS/PMMA, (b) PVA ZnS/PVA, and CdS/PVA, and (c) PVP, ZnS/PVP, and PVP/CdS.
(a)
(b)
(c)UV-Vis spectrum is used to calculate the particle size of nanocrystals using the effective mass approximation formula (EMA) [67]: (1)
E
np
=
E
g
+
h
π
2
2
R
2
1
m
e
+
1
m
h
-
18
e
2
4
π
ε
0
ε
r
R
,where E
n
p is the band gap of the nanoparticle, E
g is the band gap of the bulk ZnS or CdS, m
e is the effective mass of electron (0.4), m
h is the effective mass of hole (0.61) for ZnS, m
e
=
(
0.19
), and m
h
=
(
0.8
) for CdS. R is the radius of the particle, ε
0 is the permittivity of free space, and ε
r is the dielectric constant. The dielectric constants of ZnS and CdS are 5.2 and 5.7, respectively. Table 2 shows the summary of the optical properties of the various polymer nanocomposite.Table 2
Optical band gaps and blue shifts of absorption band of the metal sulfides/polymer nanocomposites.
Sample
Wavelength (nm)
Band gap (eV)
Blue shift (eV)
ZnS/PMMA
316
3.92
0.26
CdS/PMMA
457
2.71
0.31
ZnS/PVA
314
3.95
0.29
CdS/PVA
441
2.82
0.42
ZnS/PVP
327
3.79
0.13
CdS/PVP
438
2.83
0.43


## 4. Conclusion

In this work, ZnS and CdS were incorporated into PMMA, PVA, and PVP matrices to form corresponding metal sulfides/polymer nanocomposites. The structural and thermal properties of the composites were studied with XRD, TEM, SEM, and TGA. Wurtzite crystalline phase of ZnS was obtained from the XRD analysis for all the ZnS polymer nanocomposites. Cubic phase of CdS was also displayed by the CdS/PMMA and CdS/PVP but the CdS/PVA showed the combination of both cubic and hexagonal phase of CdS in PVA composite. TEM micrograph shows that the sizes of the metal sulfides in the composites are in the range of 1.59–6.9 nm and these values are in close agreement with the ones obtained from the XRD. SEM micrographs show almost uniform dispersion of the ZnS and CdS nanoparticles in the respective polymers. The TGA reveals that the ZnS/PVA and CdS/PVA thermal stability are most enhanced by the incorporation of the metal sulfide in the matrices of the polymers. All except CdS/PMMA and CdS/PVA show greater degree of quantum confinement when metal sulfide was incorporated into the various polymer matrices which are compared with the HDA-capped ZnS and CdS nanoparticles previously reported.



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*Source: 3296071-2016-01-18.xml*