Hybrid TiO2-ZnO Nanomaterials Prepared Using Laser Ablation in Liquid

Abstract

Hybrids of semiconductor nanomaterials often demonstrate properties that are superior to those of their components. In this study, we prepared hybrid nanomaterials of TiO2 and ZnO, which are among the most actively studied semiconductors, by means of millisecond-pulsed laser and analyzed how their morphology, particle size, and surface composition depend on preparation conditions. A series of nanomaterials were obtained via sequentially ablating Zn and Ti metal plates (in different sequences) in water, while laser pulses of lower (2.0 J/pulse) and higher (5.0 J/pulse) energy were applied. The properties of laser-produced hybrid TiO2-ZnO nanomaterials were shown to be governed by experimental conditions such as laser pulse width, pulse peak power, and reaction media (either pure water or colloid with nanoparticles). The morphology revealed nanospheres of TiO2 that decorate nanorods of ZnO or flower-like aggregates of zinc oxide. Intriguingly, after extended ablation time, titania was found to be self-doped with Ti3+ and Ti2+ ions, and the contribution of lower oxidation states of titanium could be controlled by the applied laser pulse energy. The physicochemical characteristics of hybrid nanomaterials were compared with pure ZnO and TiO2 prepared under the same laser conditions.

A visible-light phototransistor based on the heterostructure of ZnO and TiO2 with trap-assisted photocurrent generation

“…The optimized oxygen-related defects by V O in the bandgap of TiO 2 could excite photo-generated electrons in TiO 2 by the illumination of visible light. [37][38][39] Therefore, it was found that the process of 10 s of TTIP purge time during TiO 2 deposition was appropriate for a visible-light phototransistor.…”

The Potential of Fe‐Based Magnetic Nanomaterials for the Agriculture Sector

“…The high energy from laser beam helps to dissociate the solid to generate vapour, plasma, or molten metal droplets. These intermediates will then react with liquid to produce specific compounds which will be developed as NPs [60] . For iron oxide NPs, they are synthesized by irradiating a metal (typically iron ore) submerged in a solvent (water, acetone, chloroform, ethanol, isopropanol, etc.)…”

“…These intermediates will then react with liquid to produce specific compounds which will be developed as NPs. [60] For iron oxide NPs, they are synthesized by irradiating a metal (typically iron ore) submerged in a solvent (water, acetone, chloroform, ethanol, isopropanol, etc.) with a pulsed laser beam.…”

Highly Defective Dark Nano Titanium Dioxide: Preparation via Pulsed Laser Ablation and Application

“…Normally, titania is a white powder with the band gap energy of 3.0-3.2 eV, and it does not absorb light in the visible range [3] that limits its use in photocatalysis. To increase the effectiveness and widen the spectral range of its photocatalytic activity, doping [10][11][12], core@shell structures' formation [13], decoration [14], and the formation of complex composite/hybrid oxides [15,16] are considered.…”