Investigation of structural, optical and electrical properties of transition metal oxide semiconductor CdO-ZnO nanocomposite and its effective role in the removal of water contaminants

In this technological era as the usage and development of technology is on the rise we encounter serious repercussions of pollution in both drinking and daily usage of water. Nanocomposite of Cadmium Oxide and Zinc Oxide (CdO-ZnO) has the property of alienating the pollutants from the water. A conventional hydrothermal method was adapted for the preparation of nanocomposite of CdO-ZnO from their respective metal acetate dihydrates and NaOH. Structural and morphological analysis by electron beam diffraction technique reveals the formation of unique nanorod with spherical morphology of the synthesized particle. Williamson-Hall method was used to find the crystallite size and the lattice strain. Fourier transforms infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy further confirmed the stretching and vibration of chemical bonds of the materials. The study of electronic transitions within the material was portrayed with UV-Vis absorption spectrum and the obtained energy gap is 3.99 eV. A thorough investigation of temperature dependent electrical properties of CdO-ZnO nanocomposite was carried out in the frequency range from 50 Hz to 5 MHz. Studies revealed that the composite material is responsible for higher photocatalytic performance under the irradiation of UV photon. The high photocatalytic activity was originated from superoxide O-2(-) radicals due to the efficient trapping of photogenerated electrons in CdO by ZnO.