Spray Pyrolytic Deposition of Zirconium Oxide Thin Films: Influence of Concentration on Structural and Optical Properties

Abstract

Zirconium oxide (ZrO ) thin films were deposited by spray pyrolysis technique using precursor solution of zirconyl chloride octahydrate 2 o (ZrOCl .8H O) on glass substrate at 450 C. The effects of concentration of precursor solution on the structural and optical properties of ZrO 2 2 2films were investigated. The films were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Energy-dispersive Xray spectroscopy (EDX), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), UV-vis analysis and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. The films were amorphous in nature at 0.025 M concentration and it was observed that crystallinity increases with increase in concentration of precursor solution. The crystalline films exhibited cubic zirconium oxide (c-ZrO ) phase. The surface morphology of the films was strongly 2 influenced by the concentration of the precursor solution. The EDX study confirmed the existence of Zr and O. The TEM images showed nanosized as well as agglomerated ZrO particles with the average particle size < 20 nm. The well-crystallized cubic phase of the films was 2 further enlightened by selected area electron diffraction patterns. The UV-vis study showed that the optical band gap values were decreased with decrease in concentration of precursor solution. The formation of zirconium oxide was further confirmed by FT-IR spectroscopy.

Highly dispersed Pd nanoparticles on NiO–CuO nanocomposite for efficient ethanol sensing

“…31 Among all these catalysts, the metal oxides and their nanocomposites came into spotlight owing to their low band gap, non-toxicity, cost-effectiveness, high chemical stability, easy availability, and good electrical conductivity. 32,33 Currently, the mono metal oxides have been explored often for the sensing application, including, W 18 O 49 , 27 CuO, 34,35 SnO 2 , [36][37][38] ZnO, [39][40][41] In 2 O 3 42 a-NiMoO 4 , 43,44 ZrO, 45 NiO, 46,47 50,51 and CdO. 52 Amongst these transition metal oxides, NiO is a good electro-catalytic material for sensing applications of alcohol since it is p-type semiconducting material having good chemical/thermal stability and catalytic activity.…”

Role of Surfaces in the Magnetic and Ozone Gas-Sensing Properties of ZnFe2O4 Nanoparticles: Theoretical and Experimental Insights

“…Control of morphology, and consequently the material surface, has a great influence on the physicochemical properties of the materials and serves as a powerful way to modulate the functional properties. − To the best of our knowledge, there has been no comprehensive experimental work, supported by theoretical simulations, specifically dealing with surface-dependent sensor and magnetic properties of ZnFe 2 O 4 materials. Inspired by these reports, we aim to bridge the knowledge gap between theoretical and experimental results by preparing ZnFe 2 O 4 NPs with different exposed surfaces.…”

Preparation and Mechanical Properties of Copper Matrix Composites Reinforced by Carbon Nanotubes and Al2O3

“…It is believed that there may be potential applications in the field of electromagnetic protection in the future by the excellent electromagnetic wave absorption properties of carbon nanotubes. [ 16–18 ] Some studies have shown that many metal oxides such as ZnO, [ 19–22 ] CuO, [ 23 ] NiO, [ 24 ] Fe 2 O 3 , [ 25 ] ZrO 2 [ 26 ] are widely used in various fields as a result of their unique properties. [ 27–31 ] Among them, Al 2 O 3 ceramic particles can effectively improve the strength of copper matrix composites due to their high hardness and wear resistance.…”