Preparation and Photocatalytic Performance of PMMA and ZnO/PMMA Nanocomposite films

Abstract

This study used a simple drop-casting method to create polymethyl methacrylate/zinc oxide (PMMA/ZnO) nanocomposite films. The structural, morphological, and optical properties, and photocatalytic activity of the produced films were studied. X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed that pure PMMA is amorphous, while the composite film showed clear peaks for the ZnO hexagonal structure, proving the nanoparticles were added successfully without forming unwanted phases. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) presented that ZnO nanomaterial were spread evenly in the PMMA matrix, changing the surface appearance. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) analysis found that PMMA’s main functional groups remained after film formation, with a small shift in the carbonyl band in the composite, suggesting a physical interaction between ZnO and the polymer chains. Photoluminescence (PL) spectra showed stronger emission in the nanocomposite films. The films’ ability to break down methylene blue (MB) dye was tested under ultraviolet and sunlight. After 60 minutes, the PMMA/ZnO film was broken down to around 69% of the dye under sunlight and 52.5% under UV light. In comparison, pure PMMA broke down 49.5% under sunlight and only 13% under UV. These results show that adding ZnO nanoparticles to PMMA films improves their photocatalytic efficiency, making them promising option for water treatment.