Optical and spectroscopic investigation of tunable size PbS nanocrystals embedded in insulating PVA matrix

The thin film of Inorganic–Organic (Hybrid) nanocomposite (NCs) based on polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and lead sulfide (PbS) have been synthesized using solution casting technique with different concentrations of PbS. The prepared films were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The XRD confirms the presence of PbS nanoparticle (NPs) in PVA matrix. The morphology and thickness of NCs films were characterized by transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy, respectively. The optical transmittance (typically 220 nm) and photoluminescence spectra of NCs films were investigated in the wavelength range 300–2400 and 200–800 nm, respectively. The band gap of PbS NPs varies from 0.9 to 1.58 eV by altering the concentration of PbS.