Effects of silver nanoparticle doping on electrical, optical, and photovoltaic properties of PbZr_xTi_1−xO₃ thin films synthesized by sol–gel

The effects produced by the incorporation of silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) of an average size of ∼4 nm on the electrical, optical, and photovoltaic properties of PbZr_0.52Ti_0.48O₃ (PZT) thin films are investigated. The films were synthesized by a chemical solution deposition process, and two different distributions of nanoparticles in the PZT matrix were tested: (1) alternated Ag-NPs and PZT layers, and (2) distributed Ag-NPs over the entire film volume. The resulting films, with thicknesses between 200 and 270 nm, display no segregation of secondary phases, and good dielectric and ferroelectric properties. An increase in remnant polarization is observed when the Ag-NPs are distributed over the volume, which is ascribed to the modification of the film texture. The incorporation of Ag-NPs into the PZT matrix produces an enhancement of the photocurrent density under UV illumination of ∼30%.