Analyzing the structural, optoelectronic, and optical properties of ZrS nanostructured material by adding silver (Ag) dopant to its lattice.

Abstract

In this study, a range of (0.01-0.03) mol was used to synthesize silver doped ZrS through electrodeposition. A three-electrode system was employed in the synthesis. Platinum is used for the anode, silver and silver chloride (Ag/AgCl) are used for the reference electrode, and FTO (fluorine-doped tin oxide) is used for the cathode. The ZrS and Ag/ZrS XRD patterns showed the materials are polycrystalline with distinct phase orientation planes. An intense peak, indexed at (111) and showing values between 23.59^o and 62.62^o , displays a heavily dampened peak plane at (111). The micrograph of the ZrS material shows a presence of hexagonal structure material along with precipitate. The presence of various silver concentrations results in particle clumping and a uniformly coated substrate surface. In the visible region, the Ag/ZrS material displays a distinct absorption band, which is attributed to the silver surface plasmon resonance. The wavelength of the surface plasmon resonance band is determined by the size, shape, and dielectric properties of the silver material and the surrounding ZrS material. The energy band structure of ZrS increases from 2.32 to 2.51 eV with increasing silver molarity due to silver incorporation within the ZrS lattice.