In-Depth Thermal, Microstructural and Photoluminescence Analysis of Mesoporous ZnO/ZnAl <sub>2</sub> O <sub>4</sub> -MMO: The Effect of Molar Ratio
Mohamed Bashir Ali Bashir, Ethar Yahya Salih, Mohd Faizul Mohd Sabri, Altaf Hussain Rajpar, Irfan Anjum Badruddin, Mohd Zobir Hussein, Batool Eneaze Al-Jumaili
Abstract
This manuscript reports a detailed preparation and characterization of mesoporous ZnO/ZnAl 2 O 4 mixed metal oxide (MMO) through a two-step solution procedure utilizing Zn/Al layered double hydroxide (LDH) as starting materials. The influence of the molar ratio was comprehensively explored via a number of characterization techniques. Field emission scanning electron microscopy analysis revealed the occurrence of a sheet-like morphology with thickness of 65 nm at molar ratio ( r = 6). Simultaneously, a mesoporous nature of the deposited film was observed through the surface area analysis. A considerable value of surface area was obtained (53.3 m 2 g −1 ) through which a high amount of dye was loaded on the deposited film (3.3 × 10 −4 ); the latter was evaluated via a regression equation in conjunction with the ultraviolet visible light analysis. This in turn led to a robust correlation between the anticipated surface area, pore size, and the estimated dye loading amount. Moreover, the optical and photoluminescence (PL) features were investigated using UV–vis and PL techniques, wherein the near-band emission (was observed at around 380 nm. The proposed work may provide an alternative eco-friendly approach for future visible light photodetector application.