Synthesis, Characterization, and Optoelectronic Properties of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles: a Precursor as Electron Transport Layer
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Date
2024-05-15
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Publisher
Heliyon
Abstract
This experimental study examines and reports the result of synthesis, characterization, and optoelectronic properties of zinc oxide nanoparticles a precursor as electron acceptor. Zinc oxide nanoparticles was synthesized using extract from cordyline fruticosa plant (c f) to act as electron acceptor to address the issue of recombination of electron-hole pair; a flaw associated with photovoltaic cells and polymer solar cells. A clean, credible, economical, and environmentally friendly alternative method to mitigate this undesirable effect is being sought for by introduction of electron transport layer. synthesized ZnONPs were characterized by UV-Visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), X-Ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron spectroscopy (SEM) with Electron Dispersive X-ray (EDX). Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infra- red microscopy (FT-IR), and Four Point probe equipped with Keithley 2400 SMU. The results showed optical band gap energy of 3.58 eV. XRD revealed synthesized nanoparticles wurtize hexagonal shape and crystallinity. SEM and TEM images shows gain size in nanometer range. EDX analysis showed elemental composition of the atomic and weight percentage of ZnONPs. Electrical properties showed sheet resistance (RS) of 4349.03 Ω., resistivity (ρ) 110.47 Ω-m and conductivity (σ) 9.1 Sm-1. The result indicated electrical conductivity of ZnO has been improved by cordyline fruticose extract. This implies the properties of pure ZnO can be tuned or controlled by plant extract to reduce the electron recombination rate by injection of photo excited electron into the conduction band resulting in the production of ZnONPS which increases electron mobility. Thereby enhances the solar cell performance. The reported results are promising for potential application of ZnONPs as electron transport layer.
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