Synthesis of sol-gel synthesized ZnO-CdO nanocomposite for photovoltaic applications

Abstract

Nanocomposites comprising semiconductor materials hold immense potential for advancing photovoltaic technologies due to their unique optoelectronic properties. This research focuses on the synthesis and characterization of a ZnO-CdO (zinc oxide and cadmium oxide) nanocomposite using the sol-gel method for potential application in photovoltaic devices. The sol-gel approach provides a versatile platform for tailoring material properties to enhance photovoltaic performance. The structural, morphological, and optical characteristics of the ZnO-CdO nanocomposite were extensively analyzed using techniques including X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and UV-visible spectroscopy. The XRD analysis confirmed the crystalline nature of the nanoparticles and assessed potential changes in their crystal structure upon nanocomposite formation. SEM and TEM images provided insights into particle size, shape, and distribution, corroborating successful nanocomposite fabrication. This study underscores the significance of sol-gel synthesis in tailoring semiconductor nanocomposites for photovoltaic applications. The characterized structural, optical, and photovoltaic properties provide a foundation for further optimization and integration into advanced photovoltaic devices.