Damian C Onwudiwe
North-West University (Mafikeng Campus), South Africa
Title: Growth of semiconductor nanoparticles in polymer matrices by nanosecond laser
Biography
Biography: Damian C Onwudiwe
Abstract
Semiconductors nanoparticles have been extensively studied due to their potential applications and novel properties. Although different methods have been reported for the synthesis of these semiconductor materials, more environmental-friendly approaches continue to attract attention. Here, we focus on the II–VI types of semiconductor nanoparticles as they represent ideal systems for dimension-dependent properties. In this report, nanosecond laser was used to effect the decomposition of metal complexes, and also the nucleation process of nanoparticles in polymer solutions. CdS, ZnS, and ZnO nanoparticles were successfully prepared. The effect of change in concentration of the polymer solutions on the properties of the nanoparticles was studied. The morphology, structure, and optical properties of the nanoparticles were investigated. An increase in concentration of the polymer solution influenced the morphology of the nanoparticles, and also resulted in a decrease in the band gap energy of the nanoparticles. These are ascribed to the increase in adsorption centres and reduction in the coalescent process of the nanoparticles in the polymeric matrix.
