In-depth thermal, microstructural and photoluminescence analysis of mesoporous ZnO/ZnAl2o4-MMO: The effect of molar ratio

• Main Authors: Bashir, Mohamed Bashir Ali, Salih, Ethar Yahya, Mohd Sabri, Mohd Faizul, Rajpar, Altaf Hussain, Badruddin, Irfan Anjum, Hussein, Mohd Zobir, Al-Jumaili, Batool Eneaze
• Format: Article
• Published: Electrochemical Soc Inc 2021
• Subjects: QC Physics
• Online Access: http://eprints.um.edu.my/28686/

This manuscript reports a detailed preparation and characterization of mesoporous ZnO/ZnAl2O4 mixed metal oxide (MMO) through a two-step solution procedure utilizing Zn/Al layered double hydroxide (LDH) as starting materials. The influence of the molar ratio was comprehensively explored via a number of characterization techniques. Field emission scanning electron microscopy analysis revealed the occurrence of a sheet-like morphology with thickness of 65 nm at molar ratio (r = 6). Simultaneously, a mesoporous nature of the deposited film was observed through the surface area analysis. A considerable value of surface area was obtained (53.3 m(2) g(-1)) through which a high amount of dye was loaded on the deposited film (3.3 x 10(-4)); the latter was evaluated via a regression equation in conjunction with the ultraviolet visible light analysis. This in turn led to a robust correlation between the anticipated surface area, pore size, and the estimated dye loading amount. Moreover, the optical and photoluminescence (PL) features were investigated using UV-vis and PL techniques, wherein the near-band emission (was observed at around 380 nm. The proposed work may provide an alternative eco-friendly approach for future visible light photodetector application.