Photoluminescence, photocatalytic and solar cell behaviors of as-prepared Germania nanoparticles from a sol–gel route

Abstract

In this work, a facile Pechini sol–gel method was used from to prepare gemania nanoparticles for the first time. Different effective parameters on morphology and purity of product were optimized to achieve the best product. These parameters included the mole ratio of acid to solvent, temperature and type of organic acid. Nanoparticles were characterized using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy), transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared techniques X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy and Ultraviolet spectroscopy (UV–vis). The photoluminescence, photocatalytic and photovoltaic properties of product were studied for as-prepared Germania. Results show that a PL band was represented by Germania nanostructures. These PL band caused from recombination of electron and hole in Germania nanostructures. Therefore these nanostructures are suitable for application in photonic devices. On the other hands these nanostructures show a good photocatalytic behavior for degradation of Methyl Orange as an azo organic pollution in presence of UV light. Germania nanoparticles could be applied in photovoltaic measurement. As-prepared nanomaterials show photovoltaic behavior in presence of metal free dye (EY).