Defect-assisted visible light sensing in modified ZnO and rapid dye degradation in modified CuO

Abstract

This thesis is an attempt to search for the structural modifications and resulting changes in the physical properties of Ga-doped, Ni/Ga and Si/Ga co-doped Zinc Oxide (ZnO) nanomaterials. Doping introduces strain in the lattice structure and modifies the long-range ordering of the atoms. Such modifications alter the electronic and optical properties of the materials, thereby allowing the modified materials to be utilized for its multi-functionalities. In this thesis the structural, vibrational and defect assisted photo sensing and transport properties of modified ZnO are detailed. Additionally, the modification to CuO by incorporation of Fe, Fe/Ni and Fe/Li was also investigated for the transport properties, photo sensing and dye degradation studies.