Fabrication and application of ZnO-Ag nanocomposite materials prepared by gas-phase methods

Abstract

Zinc oxide nanoparticles have been used in various applications because of its unique physical and chemical properties. Unfortunately, the performance of pristine ZnO is inhibited by electron-hole recombination. The zinc oxide performance can be improved by metal doping to enhance its properties. This review paper provides summary of the synthesis and application of zinc oxide doped by silver (Ag) using different synthesis via gas-phase methods. From this review, synthesis parameters that will affect the ZnO-Ag nanoparticle and its application will be concluded. The gas-phase synthesis methods include flame spray pyrolysis, spray pyrolysis, sputtering, plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition, electron beam evaporation, atomic layer deposition and electrospinning. It is clearly observed that the morphology, crystallinity, and performance of ZnO-Ag nanocomposite is significantly affected by the fabrication method. The precursors used, spray rate, deposition rate, precursor concentration, deposition time, morphology of the nanoparticle and deposition or annealing temperature affect the performance capability of ZnO-Ag. We believe that this review paper will provide valuable information and new insights into possible fabrication methods of ZnO-Ag nanocomposite materials in the gas-phase, which can be used for many applications as photocatalyst, anti-microbial applications, catalyst for hydrogen production as well as in dye-sensitized solar cells and gas sensors.