New Field for Inorganics and Polymer Composite Fabrication with Modulate Optical Band Gaps Based on Green Synthesized Metal Complex Using Low Cost Ligands Available in Drinking Tea Dyes" for publication in Discover Materials

In this work, we address these gaps by introducing a green and cost-effective strategy for fabricating PVA-based polymer composites using a chromium metal complex synthesized from black tea polyphenolic ligands.

Published in Chemistry, Materials, and Microbiology

Like

Share this post

Choose a social network to share with, or copy the URL to share elsewhere

This is a representation of how your post may appear on social media. The actual post will vary between social networks

Explore the Research

Springer International Publishing
Springer International Publishing Springer International Publishing

New field for inorganics and polymer composite fabrication with modulate optical band gaps based on green synthesized metal complex using low cost ligands available in drinking tea dyes - Discover Materials

Green synthesis routes for the design of functional polymer composites are increasingly important for sustainable optoelectronic applications. In this work, a chromium-based metal complex (CrMC) was synthesized using polyphenolic ligands of black tea. The CrMC particles were incorporated into a poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) matrix to tailor its optical and electronic properties. The main aim of this study was to develop an eco-friendly polymer composite with a controllable optical band gap using a low-cost, natural ligand source. The CrMC-doped PVA films were fabricated via a solution casting method and the PVA composite films were investigated using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), UV–Vis spectroscopy, and field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), alongside comprehensive optical and dielectric analyses. FTIR results confirmed successful coordination between Cr³⁺ ions, tea-derived ligands, and PVA functional groups, while FESEM images revealed homogeneous dispersion of the metal complex within the polymer matrix. UV–Vis analysis showed a pronounced red shift in the absorption edge with increasing CrMC content, leading to a systematic reduction in the optical band gap from 5.90 eV for pristine PVA to 2.18 eV for PVACr3. Additional optical parameters, including absorption coefficient, skin depth, refractive index, dielectric loss, surface and volume energy loss functions (SELF and VELF), and optical conductivity, demonstrated enhanced photon absorption, increased electronic transitions, and improved charge transport behavior in the doped films. Moreover, CrMC incorporation reduced sheet resistance and thermal emissivity while significantly improving the figure of merit (φ_film). Overall, this study demonstrates a sustainable and effective strategy for engineering low-band-gap polymer composites using naturally derived metal complexes, highlighting their strong potential for optoelectronic, photonic, and energy-efficient coating applications.

Green synthesis routes for the design of functional polymer composites are 
increasingly important for sustainable optoelectronic applications. In this work, a 
chromium-based metal complex (CrMC) was synthesized using polyphenolic 
ligands of black tea. The CrMC particles were incorporated into a poly(vinyl 
alcohol) (PVA) matrix to tailor its optical and electronic properties. The main aim 
of this study was to develop an eco-friendly polymer composite with a controllable 
optical band gap using a low-cost, natural ligand source. The CrMC-doped PVA 
films were fabricated via a solution casting method and the PVA composite films 
were investigated using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), UV–Vis 
spectroscopy, and field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), 
alongside comprehensive optical and dielectric analyses. FTIR results confirmed 
successful coordination between Cr³⁺ ions, tea-derived ligands, and PVA 
functional groups, while FESEM images revealed homogeneous dispersion of the 
metal complex within the polymer matrix. UV–Vis analysis showed a pronounced 
red shift in the absorption edge with increasing CrMC content, leading to a 
systematic reduction in the optical band gap from 5.90 eV for pristine PVA to 2.18 
eV for PVACr3. Additional optical parameters, including absorption coefficient, skin depth, refractive index, dielectric loss, surface and volume energy loss 
functions (SELF and VELF), and optical conductivity, demonstrated enhanced 
photon absorption, increased electronic transitions, and improved charge 
transport behavior in the doped films. Moreover, CrMC incorporation reduced 
sheet resistance and thermal emissivity while significantly improving the figure of 
merit (φ_film). Overall, this study demonstrates a sustainable and effective 
strategy for engineering low-band-gap polymer composites using naturally 
derived metal complexes, highlighting their strong potential for optoelectronic, 
photonic, and energy-efficient coating applicationsNew Field for Inorganics and Polymer Composite Fabrication with Modulate Optical Band Gaps Based on Green Synthesized Metal Complex Using Low Cost Ligands Available in Drinking Tea Dyes

Please sign in or register for FREE

If you are a registered user on Research Communities by Springer Nature, please sign in

Follow the Topic

Biopolymers
Physical Sciences > Materials Science > Biomaterials > Biopolymers
Optical Materials
Physical Sciences > Materials Science > Optical Materials
Biofilms
Life Sciences > Biological Sciences > Microbiology > Biofilms
Surface Assembly
Physical Sciences > Chemistry > Analytical Chemistry > Surface Chemistry > Surface Assembly

Related Collections

With Collections, you can get published faster and increase your visibility.

Advanced Functional Materials: Disordered Systems, Nanoparticles, and Emerging Application in Energy, Photonics, and Security

Disordered systems, nanostructured materials, and functional composites play a pivotal role in advancing next-generation technologies. With growing demands for high-performance materials in energy, photonics, and security applications, understanding and harnessing the physical properties of complex and disordered systems is crucial. Research in nanoparticle design and synthesis, light scattering phenomena, and thermo-optical conversion mechanisms offers promising solutions for efficient radiative cooling, energy harvesting, and heat management. Additionally, the development of anticounterfeiting technologies and physical unclonable functions (PUFs) is key to ensuring secure identification and authentication in a digitized world.

This Collection invites contributions from researchers, engineers, and material scientists to share breakthroughs, methodologies, and practical innovations in these areas. We welcome submissions related, but not limited to, disordered systems, functional nanoparticles, advanced scattering techniques, novel radiative cooling materials, thermo-optical conversion devices, anticounterfeiting technologies, and PUF-based systems.

This Collection supports and amplifies research related to SDG 7 and SDG 9.

Keywords: Disorderd system, nanoparticles, functional materials, scattering, radiative cooling, thermooptical conversion, anticounterfeiting, physical unclonable function (PUF)

Publishing Model: Open Access

Deadline: Jun 30, 2026

Reuse and Recycling of Waste in the Construction Sector

The construction sector is one of the largest producers of waste, contributing significantly to global environmental challenges. In recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on sustainable practices, particularly in the reuse and recycling of construction and demolition waste, municipal solid waste, and industrial waste. Addressing the environmental impact of this waste is critical for sustainable development. This collection explores innovative strategies, technologies, and policies aimed at minimizing waste, promoting resource efficiency, aiming to reduce landfill dependency, and advancing sustainable building practices within the construction industry.

This collection invites comprehensive research and practical insights into various aspects of waste management in the construction sector, including:

1. Construction and Demolition Waste: Innovative methods for recycling and reusing concrete, asphalt, metals, wood, and other materials from construction and demolition sites.

2. Municipal Solid Waste: Strategies for integrating recycled municipal solid waste materials, such as glass, plastics, and organic matter, into construction projects.

3. Industrial Waste: Techniques for repurposing industrial by-products and waste materials in construction, including slag, fly ash, and manufacturing residues.

4. Policy and Regulation: Examination of governmental policies, regulations, and incentives that facilitate the reuse and recycling of various waste types in construction.

5. Sustainable Construction Practices: Implementation of circular economy principles in construction, including design for disassembly, modular construction, and sustainable material sourcing.

6. Environmental and Economic Impacts: Evaluation of the environmental benefits and economic feasibility of recycling and reusing different types of waste in the construction sector, including life cycle and cost-benefit analyses.

7. Technological Advances: Development and application of advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and robotics, to optimize waste management and recycling processes in construction.

8. Material Innovation: Research new materials and products derived from recycled waste, assessing their performance, durability, and potential applications in construction.

9. Case Studies and Best Practices: Documentation of successful projects and initiatives that highlight effective reuse and recycling strategies in the construction industry.

By bringing together cutting-edge research and practical insights, this collection aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state and future directions of waste reuse and recycling in the construction sector. Contributions from academics, industry professionals, policymakers, and other stakeholders are encouraged to foster a multidisciplinary dialogue and drive meaningful change in the industry.

Keywords: Construction Waste Management; Recycling Techniques; Reuse Strategies; Sustainable Construction; Municipal Solid Waste; Environmental Impact; Circular Economy; Industrial Waste Recycling

Publishing Model: Open Access

Deadline: Jun 30, 2026