Microstructure, AC conductivity and complex modulus analysis of Ca-ZnO nanoparticles for potential optoelectronic applications

Abstract

In the present work, we investigate the conductivity characteristics and microstructure of Ca-doped ZnO (ZO_Ca) nanoparticles. ZO_Ca nanoparticles were created using a straightforward sol-gel manufacturing method and annealed at various temperatures. Powder X-ray diffraction analysis provided proof of the ZO_Ca nanoparticles' purity, crystalline nature, and hexagonal structure. Meanwhile, the transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to establish the morphology and shape of the ZO_Ca nanoparticles, and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis was used to discover the components that make up the particles' makeup. Moreover, AC conductivity measurements have been used to examine the electrical characteristics of ZO_Ca nanoparticles. Reduced activation energy values demonstrate the material's appropriateness for photonics devices, and the small proportion of activation energy derived from AC conductivity and complex modulus measurements is an added benefit for the construction of optoelectronic devices.