Electrical characteristics of (AgNPs-PVA)-based Schottky diode and its application as a low-voltage varistor devices

Abstract

In this report, we studied the influence of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) on the electrical conductivity of Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) as a semiconductor nanocomposites active layer. Here, the Schottky junction is constructed by mechanically pressing a copper (Cu) electrode onto a AgNPs-PVA nanocomposite, which shows rectification behavior at room temperature. The synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) was achieved by the physical reduction of silver nitrate using an ultraviolet lamp. The nanocomposite films were created using a casting technique. An ultraviolet spectrophotometer (UV-Vis), which displayed maximum absorbance at 430 nm, was used to confirm the synthesis of AgNPs and carry out the optical band gap. The charge carrier transport properties of AgNPs-PVA film were investigated by using impedance spectroscopy and I–V measurements. Then, AC impedance analysis was used to determine grain and grain boundary resistances; current-voltage analysis enabled the barrier height () to be determined. Moreover, the metal/semiconductor (Cu/AgNPs-PVA) Schottky barrier was confirmed as an equivalent circuit model via the Nyquist plot. Based on thermoionic emission theory, the characteristic I–V induced rectifying Schottky behavior can be understood. Moreover, the AgNPs-PVA nanocomposite exhibited hysteresis behavior under multiple repetitive measurements. For low voltage varistor devices, the nonlinear behavior may be completely utilized.

Effect of silver nanoparticles on structural, thermal, electrical, and mechanical properties of poly(vinyl alcohol) polymer nanocomposites

“…The SEM images of all nanoparticles are open spherical or nearly spherical in shape, as shown by Figure 4A, which is the result of the inclusion of glycerol during preparation. [ 28,29 ] Figure 4B shows the image of the highest AgNPs volume percent (6% v/v) PNC with smooth morphology and the surface shows small pores with unequal size primarily caused by the removal of solvent and implies a decrease in inter‐polymer bonding and increased concentration of AgNPs with PVA matrix indicating good interaction between PVA and AgNPs also predicted in FTIR studies. [ 32,33 ] The electron diffusion through the polymer chains was improved because of this enhanced interaction confirmed by SEM, thereby improving overall conductivity.…”

“…during the preparation of AgNPs has many benefits, including increasing the total surface area of the nanoparticles, which results in the highest activity-to-weight ratio values and serves as a multifunctional platform for nanocomposites. [28] In this research, a new in situ chemical synthesis of silver nanoparticles with glycerol embedded in poly(vinyl alcohol) with different AgNPs volume percent (2, 4, and 6) %v/v was described for future applications of electronic devices. The mechanism is further confirmed via various characterization techniques namely X-ray diffractometer (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscope (SEM), thermal, electrical, and mechanical tests.…”

“…during the preparation of AgNPs has many benefits, including increasing the total surface area of the nanoparticles, which results in the highest activity‐to‐weight ratio values and serves as a multifunctional platform for nanocomposites. [ 28 ]…”