Synthesis of Tio2/Zno Core/Shell Type Nanocomposite via Sol-Gel Method

TiO(2)/ZnO Nanocomposite powders with different Zn/Ti ratios were synthesized via sol-gel method. The as prepared and calcined Titania nanopowders were added to the ZnO sols. Also the as prepared and calcined ZnO nanopowders were separately added to the TiO(2) sols. However, in the latter case, the nanocomposite never formed due to the high acidity of the sols. After gelation, the powders were dried and calcined at 500 degrees C for 1h. The phase composition, structure, morphology and optoelectrical properties of the powders were characterized by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), UV-Vis photospectroscopy and photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL). The XRD patterns confirm the presence of TiO(2) and ZnO crystalline phases in the TiO(2) particles/ZnO sol samples. The FESEM micrographs show that TiO(2)/ZnO nanocomposites heat treated at 500 degrees C were formed with average diameter of about 250nm with 50nm ZnO particles on clusters of 40nm TiO(2) particles. It was found that the optoclectronic properties of the nanocomposites were improved according to the UV-Vis and photoluminescence spectroscopy.