Synthesis and characterization of novel thin films derived from pyrazole-3-one and its metal complex with bivalent nickel ion to improve solar cell efficiency

Abstract

In this work, an organic ligand and its metal complex with Ni (II) ion was synthesized and used to improve solar cell efficiency. The organic Schiff base ligand, 4-(1, 3-benzodioxol-5-ylmethylideneamino)-1, 5-dimethyl-2-phenylpyrazole-3-one [L], was produced by condensation reaction of 4-aminoantipyrine with piperonaldehyde in absolute ethanol. The synthesized organic ligand [L] was characterized using 1H and 13C NMR, FT-IR, UV–Vis, elemental analysis (C.H.N), X-ray diffraction (XRD), mass spectrum, and atomic force microscope (AFM). The Ni (II) complex [M] was obtained in a molar ratio (2:1) (L:M). The prepared complex was characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), magnetic susceptibility measurement, elemental analysis (C.H.N), electrical molar conductivity, Fourier-transform infrared FT-IR, UV–Vis spectroscopy, atomic force microscope (AFM) and flame atomic absorption technique. Results suggested an octahedral geometry around the bivalent Ni (II) ion. Drop casting method was employed to prepare thin films of nanoparticles of the synthesized compounds. The optical, morphological, and structural properties for those particles were also studied and they were used to improve the silicon solar cell after the depositing on the silicon slides. The efficiency of the resulted inorganic solar cell was higher than the organic solar cell.