Enhancing structural, optical and dielectric properties of CuO–ZnO nanocomposites through controlled CuO and ZnO concentration adjustments

• Published in: Bulletin of materials science 2024-07, Vol.47 (3), p.141, Article 141
• Main Authors: Pandey, Arushi, Yadav, Preeti, Fahad, Abu, Kumar, Pushpendra, Singh, Manoj K
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Chemistry and Materials Science; Copper; Crystallites; Dielectric properties; Electrical properties; Engineering; Frequency ranges; Heat treating; Materials Science; Metal oxides; Microstrain; Nanocomposites; Nitrates; Optical properties; Optoelectronics; Phase transitions; Sensors; Smart materials; Sol-gel processes; Spectrum analysis; Visible spectrum; Wurtzite; Zinc oxide; Zinc oxides
• ISSN: 0973-7669; 0250-4707; 0973-7669
• DOI: 10.1007/s12034-024-03253-w

This study employed sol–gel technique to synthesize CuO x -ZnO 1- x nanocomposites with varying concentrations of CuO ( x = 0, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75 and 1.00). The resulting samples were analysed using X-ray diffraction (XRD) to confirm the presence of hexagonal wurtzite ZnO and monoclinic CuO phases. Scherrer’s formula and W–H plot were used to determine crystallite size and microstrain, revealing a reduction in crystallite size from 37 to 23 nm with increasing CuO concentration. Optical analysis showed a visible spectrum absorbance and a decreasing optical band gap from 3.25 to 1.54 eV with higher CuO concentrations, impacting photovoltaic and optoelectronic applications. Dielectric studies demonstrated Maxwell–Wagner interfacial polarization across a frequency range (100 Hz–1 MHz) and temperatures (303–573 K), while AC conductivity exhibited low-frequency dispersion revealing enhanced properties with CuO addition. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into CuO-induced modifications in ZnO nanostructures, informing the design of materials with enhanced optical and electrical properties for advanced optoelectronic technologies.