Title: ZnO nanostructures assisted growth using different NH₄F concentrations for photovoltaic applications

Authors: A. Muhammad; Z. Hassan; Sabah M. Mohammad; Suvindraj Rajamanickam

Addresses: Institute of Nano Optoelectronics Research and Technology (INOR), Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 Penang, Malaysia; Department of Physics, Sule Lamido University Kafin-Hausa, P.M. B 0048, Jigawa State, Nigeria ' Institute of Nano Optoelectronics Research and Technology (INOR), Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 Penang, Malaysia ' Institute of Nano Optoelectronics Research and Technology (INOR), Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 Penang, Malaysia ' Institute of Nano Optoelectronics Research and Technology (INOR), Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 Penang, Malaysia

Abstract: In this study, different morphologies of ZnO nanostructures (NSs) were synthesised by adding ammonium fluoride (NH₄F) at different concentrations using the hydrothermal method for the exploration of photovoltaic applications. Morphology varies from well-aligned hexagonal nanorods (NRs) to nanoflakes (NFLs) and nanoflowers (NFs) are observed and revealed by field emission scanning microscopy (FESEM). X-ray diffraction spectrum (XRD) analysis confirmed good crystal quality of ZnO nanostructures (NSs) along (002). Ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) analysis confirmed strong reflection suppression in the ultraviolet-near infrared (UV-NIR) range, giving a high green signal for solar cell applications. Finally, photoluminescence (PL) emission has shown both strong near band edge (NBE) and deep level emission (DLE) peaks indicating a promising signal for different applications such as for photosensors and photocatalytic activity. Lastly, a fast and sensitive photodetector (PD) based on 0F and 3F samples was fabricated with promising performance.

Keywords: ZnO; ammonium fluoride; nanostructures; FESEM; photovoltaic; photodetector; hydrothermal method.

DOI: 10.1504/IJNT.2022.124493

International Journal of Nanotechnology, 2022 Vol.19 No.2/3/4/5, pp.97 - 112

Published online: 27 Jul 2022 *

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