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Investigation of the Optical-Electrical Properties of Simonkolleite and ZnO: Synergism and Nano/Microcrystals

Anielle Christine Almeida Silva

Abstract


This study aimed to investigate the optical-electrical properties of simonkolleite (SM) and zinc oxide (ZnO), focusing on ZnO's nano/micro size and the synergistic effects between SM and ZnO. The synthesis of SM nanocrystals (NCs) was successfully achieved, and thermal annealing temperature was used to manipulate the formation of SM/ZnO nanocomposites ranging from NCs to microcrystals of ZnO. Structural and morphological properties were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD),
Fourier transforms infrared (FT-IR), Raman spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Optical absorption spectroscopy and electrochemical experiments, including cyclic voltammetry (CV) and photocurrent response measurements under “ON-OFF” laser illumination cycles, were used to study the optical-electrical properties. The XRD, FT-IR, Raman, and SEM results confirmed the formation of simonkolleite nanocrystals. They revealed the formation of nanocomposites of SM and ZnO at 250 and 500°C, only ZnO nanocrystals at 750°C, and ZnO microcrystals at 1000°C. Optical absorption spectra revealed that SM and ZnO absorb in the ultraviolet region, and the synergistic effect between the nanocrystals and the size effect alters the band gaps. Cyclic voltammetry and electrical measurements were conducted to assess how the electrical properties of the samples were influenced by their optical properties under ultraviolet radiation. Electrical measurements confirmed the comparison between SM and ZnO nanocrystals, the synergistic effect ofm nanocomposites, and the effect of the size of ZnO nano- and microcrystals. Therefore, this study
provides a comparative analysis of the opticalelectrical properties of SM nanocrystals, their synergistic effect with ZnO NCs, and the effect of the
size of ZnO nano- and microcrystals. These findings underscore the importance of considering the unique properties of each material when selecting them for different applications. Overall, this work serves as a basis for further investigations into the optical-electrical properties of simonkolleite and zinc oxide and how their synergism and size can be modified.


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References


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