Structural and Optical Properties of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Synthesized using Continuous Spray Pyrolysis Reactor

V. Dutta, V. Phanikaran B., C. Dwivedi
Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, IN

Keywords: ZIncOxide nanoparticles, spray pyrolysis

Abstract:

ZnO nanoparticles were prepared by injecting atomized droplets of spray solution containing zinc precursor into a heated reactor. Structural and optical properties of ZnO nanoparticles thus created were investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), electron microscopy ( TEM and SEM) and optical absorption spectra.The TEM picture showed nearly monodispersed ZnO nanoparticles having average particle size ~18 nm. HRTEM pictures showed the d-spacings ~ 0.26 nm corresponding to the (002) lattice planes. The energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) confirmed the stoichiometric composition with no presence of other impurities. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) indicated pure ZnO peaks and the optical measurements showed a direct band gap. ZnO nanoparticles can thus be prepared on a continuous basis and used for making large area devices like Dye Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSC) and hybrid organic solar cells.