Investigating the optical properties of antimony oxide, Sb2O3 nanomaterials synthesized by spray pyrolysis

• Published in: Optical materials 2024-11, Vol.157, p.116405, Article 116405
• Main Authors: Slimani, Hamza, Nkele, Agnes C., Dagher, Sawsan, Alshoaibi, Adil, Bessous, Noureddine, Akhozheya, Boshra, Ezema, Fabian I.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Band gap energy; Molar concentrations; Sb2O3; Solar cell; Spray pyrolysis
• ISSN: 0925-3467
• DOI: 10.1016/j.optmat.2024.116405

This research focuses on investigating the features of spray-pyrolyzed antimony oxide, Sb2O3 nanomaterials synthesized at molar concentrations of 0.1 M, 0.2 M, 0.3 M, 0.4 M, and 0.5 M. The structural, morphological, elemental, optical, vibration modes, and electrical properties of the films were studied using the respective characterization equipment. X-ray diffractometry (XRD) plots showed a cubic crystal structure with stretchy-like morphology. The elements making up the deposited samples were investigated using energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) spectra. The samples recorded high absorbance features and optical conductivity values that increased at increasing molar concentrations. As the concentration increased, the band gap energies increased from 4.02 eV to 4.09 eV. The Urbach energies also showed slight increase in values from 3.93 eV to 3.97 eV with concentration. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectra showed the vibration modes and bonds existing between the synthesized compounds. The electrical result revealed increasing film thicknesses with molar concentration. The results show the potential application of the synthesized antimony oxide films in solar cell devices and optical materials. •Successful deposition of Sb2O3 films via spray pyrolysis at varying precursor concentrations.•Cubic crystal structures with a preferred orientation on the (0 3 2) plane were seen in the XRD spectra.•The films showed a stretchy morphology with absorption peaks belonging to the antimony oxide materials.•Optical studies gave increasing absorbance, band gap energies, and optical conductivities as the concentration increased.•The electrical study recorded increasing conductivity and film thickness with concentration.