ZnO–Sn@Graphene nanopowders: Integrative impact of tin and graphene on the microstructure, surface morphology, and optical properties

Abstract

An insightful study intended to comprehend the integrative impact of tin and graphene on the physical features of ZnO–Sn@Graphene nanopowders communicated herein. A facile in situ wet chemical approach was utilized to synthesize ZnO–Sn@Graphene. Their microstructure, morphological, and optical properties were explored by employing analytical techniques such as x-ray diffraction, scanning and tunneling electron microscopy, UV–Vis diffused reflectance, and photoluminescence spectroscopy. The influence of tin and graphene inclusion on the ZnO–Sn@Graphene was compared with the counterparts ZnO–Sn and ZnO. The ZnO–Sn@Graphene nanopowders revealed the lowest crystallite size value of 28 nm indicating the in situ synthesis strategy restricts the growth of nanoparticles on the graphene sheets. Morphological investigations depicted the graphene sheets keeping the semiconductor nanoparticles dispersed form. The amalgamation of ZnO–Sn with graphene leads to a significant reduction in the optical bandgap value of 3.20 eV. The ZnO–Sn@Graphene nanopowders disclosed an efficient photogenerated charge carriers separation and photoluminescence quenching.