Flexible PVA Composites With Strontium‐Doped Cerium Oxide NPs for UV ‐Shielding Applications

ABSTRACT This work reports the development of a novel class of multifunctional polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/SrCeO 3 nanocomposite films designed to achieve simultaneous UV shielding and visible‐light emission enhancement—addressing the existing gap in polymer–metal oxide composites that can deliver both functionalities at low filler loadings. SrCeO 3 nanoparticles were incorporated into PVA via a simple solution‐casting method at concentrations ranging from 0.5 to 4.0 wt%. Structural characterization (XRD) confirmed the phase purity of SrCeO 3 , while FTIR analysis indicated interactions between SrCeO 3 and the hydroxyl groups of PVA. SEM observations revealed uniform nanoparticle dispersion with minimal agglomeration. Optical measurements demonstrated that the addition of SrCeO 3 significantly improved UV absorption across the UVA–UVC regions, with the 4 wt% film showing an approximately 13‐fold increase in absorption compared to pure PVA. Tauc plot analysis estimated the optical band gap to be ~4.1 eV. Photoluminescence studies further revealed a strong green emission centered near 540 nm, highlighting enhanced light‐conversion capability. The UV‐shielding performance was assessed using methylene blue photodegradation, where the 4 wt% PVA/SrCeO 3 nanocomposite film exhibited an 86% UV‐shielding efficiency, demonstrating effective photostabilization. Overall, this study introduces a dual‐functional PVA/SrCeO 3 nanocomposite film that combines enhanced UV blocking, strong fluorescence, and high photostability, making it a promising candidate for advanced optoelectronic devices, packaging materials, and UV‐protective applications.