Abstract

The present study introduces a novel and environmentally sustainable approach to synthesizing TiO₂–ZnO nanocomposites using Nigella sativa seed extract, which has not been previously reported in the context of solar cell applications. This green synthesis technique uses the natural phytochemicals found in Nigella sativa seeds as stabilizing and reducing agents, in contrast to traditional chemical synthesis methods that frequently use hazardous chemicals and energy-intensive procedures. These bioactive compounds not only promote the formation of nanocomposites but also aid in functionalizing their surface, thereby enhancing their chemical stability and charge transfer properties. Furthermore, the incorporation of both TiO₂ and ZnO in a heterostructured nanocomposite is particularly advantageous, as it combines the high photoactivity of TiO₂ with the excellent electron mobility of ZnO. This synergistic effect leads to improved light absorption, reduced electron-hole recombination, and enhanced charge transport key factors in the performance of solar cells. The study stands out by integrating material synthesis, phytochemical surface modification, and optoelectronic property evaluation, including UV–Visible spectrographic analysis, cyclic voltammetry (CV) and current–voltage (I–V) analysis. These findings highlight the significant potential of Nigella sativa-mediated TiO₂–ZnO nanocomposites as cost-effective, eco-friendly, and high-performance materials for next-generation photovoltaic devices.

Keywords

TiO₂:ZnO nanocomposite, Nigella sativa, XRD Analysis, FTIR Analysis, UV-Visble(UV), Cyclic Voltammetry (CV), Current-Voltage (I-V), Solar Cell Performance,

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

  1. K. Zweibel, Thin films: past, present, future. Progress in Photovoltaics: Research and Applications, 3(5), (1995) 279-293. https://doi.org/10.1002/pip.4670030503
  2. A.E. Becquerel, On Electron Effects under the Influence of Solar Radiation, Comptes Rendus de 'l' Academie Sciences Paris. 9, (1839) 561.
  3. K. Shreema, V. Kalaiselvi, R. Mathammal. Green Synthesis and Characterization of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles using Leaf Extract of Evolvulus Alsinoides. Studies in Indian Place Names, 40(18), (2020) 763-78.
  4. V. Kalaiselvi, R. Mathammal, N. Vidhya, K. Surya, Synthesis and Characterization of pure and capped Hydroxyapatite Nanoparticles, International Journal of Advanced Science and Engineering, 6(1),(2019) 1213-1219. https://doi.org/10.29294/IJASE.6.1.2019.1213-1219
  5. R. Sathiyapriya, V. Hariharan, K. Prabakaran, M. Durairaj, V. Aroulmoji. Nanotechnology in Materials and Medical Sciences, International Journal of Advanced Science and Engineering. 5(3), (2019) 1077-1084. https://doi.org/10.29294/IJASE.5.3.2019.1077-1084
  6. A. Kołodziejczak-Radzimska, T. Jesionowski. Zinc Oxide—From Synthesis to Application: A Review, Materials, 7(4), (2014) 2833-2881. https://doi.org/10.3390/ma7042833
  7. A. Khan, (2006) Synthesis, characterization and luminescence properties of zinc oxide nanostructures. Ohio University.
  8. V. Porkalai, B. Sathya, D. BennyAnburaj, G. Nedunchezhian, R. Meenambika, Combination of Silver and Magnesium doped ZnO Nanoparticles using Sol-Gel method, International Journal of Advanced Science and Engineering, 4(3), (2018) 662-666. https://doi.org/10.29294/IJASE.4.3.2018.662-666
  9. V.A. Sakkas, I.M. Arabatzis, I.K. Konstantinou, A.D. Dimou, T.A. Albanis P. Falaras. Metolachlor photocatalytic degradation using TiO2 photocatalysts, Applied Catalysis B: Environmental, 49(3), (2004) 195–205. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apcatb.2003.12.008
  10. I.K. Konstantinou, T.A. Albanis, TiO2-assisted photocatalytic degradation of azo dyes in aqueous solution: kinetic and mechanistic investigations: A review. Applied Catalysis B: Environmental, 49(1), (2004) 1–14. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apcatb.2003.11.010
  11. P.K. Dutta, M.F. De Lucia. Correlation of catalytic activity and sensor response in TiO2 high temperature gas sensors. Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical, 115, (2006) 1–3.
  12. U. Diebold. The surface science of titanium dioxide. Surface Science Reports, 48(5-8), (2003) 53–229. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0167-5729(02)00100-0
  13. M.S.H. Chowdhury, M.M. Rahman Khan, M.R.H. Shohag, S. Rahman, S.K. Paul, M.M. Rahman, A.M. Asiri, M.M. Rahman, Easy synthesis of PPy/TiO2/ZnO composites with superior photocatalytic performance, efficient supercapacitors and nitrite sensor, Heliyon, 9 (2023) e19564. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e19564
  14. M. Nurdin, M. Maulidiyah, N. Nohong. Advanced TiO2-ZnO/graphene hybrid nanocomposite for ultra-sensitive electrochemical detection of fipronil pesticide. Environmental Nanotechnology, Monitoring & Management, 23, (2025) 101031. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enmm.2024.101031
  15. H. Kumar, R. Rani, Structural and optical characterization of ZnO nanoparticles synthesized by microemulsion route. International Letters of Chemistry. Physics and Astronomy, 14, (2013) 26-36. https://doi.org/10.56431/p-q38442
  16. E. Rusu, V. Ursaki, T. Gutul, P. Vlazan, A. Siminel. Characterization of TiO2 nanoparticles and ZnO/TiO2 composite obtained by hydrothermal method. In 3rd International Conference on Nanotechnologies and Biomedical Engineering: ICNBME-2015, Chisinau, Republic of Moldova Singapore: Springer Singapore, 55 (2016) 93-96. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-287-736-9_22
  17. C. Pragathiswaran, C. Smitha, H. Barabadi, M.M. Al-Ansari, L.A. Al-Humaid, M. Saravanan, M.. TiO2@ ZnO nanocomposites decorated with gold nanoparticles: Synthesis, characterization and their antifungal, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and anticancer activities. Inorganic Chemistry Communications, 121, (2020) 108210. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.inoche.2020.108210
  18. K.P. Sridevi, S. Nisha, S. Ramesh, R. Arunachalam, Structural and optical study of ZnO-TiO2 nanocomposites. Journal of Ovonic Research, 18(3), (2022) 453-464. https://doi.org/10.15251/JOR.2022.183.453