In Situ Growth of PbS Nanoparticles without Organic Linker on ZnO Nanostructures via Successive Ionic Layer Adsorption and Reaction (SILAR)

Abstract

The process of effective solar energy harvesting and conversion requires efficient photon absorption, followed by charge generation and separation, then electron transfer. Nanostructured materials have been considered as potential building blocks for the development of future generations of solar cells. Much attention has been given to wide-bandgap semiconductor nanowires, combined and sensitized with low-bandgap semiconductors effectively attached to the nanowires for low-cost and highly efficient solar cells. Here, the in situ growth of lead sulfide (PbS) nanoparticles on the surface of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanowires grown by the Successive Ionic Layer Adsorption and Reaction (SILAR) technique is presented for different numbers of cycles. The morphology and structure of PbS nanoparticles are confirmed by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), revealing the decoration of the nanowires with the PbS nanoparticles, Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and HR-TEM, showing the tight attachment of PbS nanoparticles on the surface of the ZnO nanowires. The Selected Area Electron Diffraction (SAED) confirms the crystallization of the PbS. Photoluminescence spectra show a broad and more intense deep-level emission band.

Nano Revolution: “Tiny tech, big impact: How nanotechnology is driving SDGs progress"

“…Fullerenes are spherical carbon molecules consisting of carbon atoms arranged in a cage-like structure. The most well-known fullerene is Buckminsterfullerene (C60), which has 60 carbon atoms arranged in a soccer ball-like shape, and they are characterized by their unique electronic properties [ [13] , [14] , [15] , [16] , [17] , [18] , [19] , [20] , [21] ]. ( Fig.…”

“…Creating new materials with unique features, such as stronger and more resilient building materials [ [41] , [42] , [43] , [44] , [45] , [46] ], can enhance the performance of already-existing infrastructure. Nanotechnology can also advance renewable energy sources and increase energy efficiency [ 21 , [47] , [48] , [49] , [50] ], spurring innovation in the energy industry. Furthermore, manufacturing techniques based on nanotechnology [ 51 , 52 ] can increase productivity and decrease waste, resulting in more environmentally friendly and economically viable production techniques.…”

Effect of Al Incorporation on the Structural and Optical Properties of Sol–Gel AZO Thin Films

“…The PL emission spectra (λex = 325 nm) were performed at room temperature and show a strong UV emission at ~384 nm that corresponds to the near-band-edge (NBE) emission of ZnO due to the radiative recombination of free excitons [72], a relatively weak deep-level (DLE) green emission band at ~524 nm, originated from the transition from the conduction band to deep defect levels, assigned to zinc vacancies occupied by oxygen antisites, O Zn , in the AZO thin film [73] and a red band ~768 nm that corresponds to the second order of the NBE band [74] (Figure 9). The strong second order NBE band hides the smaller band corresponding to deep-level red emission at 705 nm.…”

Fabrication of MnCoS Thin Films Deposited by the SILAR Method with the Assistance of Surfactants and Supercapacitor Properties

“…It does not require a vacuum system, complex equipment, or adhesives. A dense thin film of active materials is vital for the electrochemical performance of a supercapacitor, and the deposition of a dense thin film using the SILAR method on a substrate without a binder is still challenging due to the small surface area and poor wettability of the substrate's surface [28][29][30][31][32][33][34][35][36].…”