Synthesis of NiO Nanoparticles Using Laser Ablation in Liquid for Photodetector Application

This study outlines the synthesis and analysis of nickel oxide nanoparticles (NiO) that are coated onto porous silicon (PS) to serve in photodetector applications. The synthesis of nickel oxide nanoparticles was achieved by employing pulsed laser ablation in water, while a PS layer was produced through light-assisted electrochemical etching. An investigation is conducted on the optical, structural, and optoelectronics characteristics of NiO-NPs/PS structures, focusing on their dependence on laser energy. The XRD analysis indicates the presence of distinct peaks corresponding to a cubic pattern, signifying the creation of nickel oxide nanoparticles on PS in the produced specimen. The field emission scanning electron microscope investigation verified that the suspension nanoparticles exhibited predominantly a sphere-like shape. The suspension of NiO nanoparticles appeared as an absorption edge at a wavelength of around 275 nm. Furthermore, it was observed that the absorption peaks became stronger with increased laser energy. The optical properties provide that the band gaps of the NiO NPs formed with laser energies between 400 and 800 mJ were identified, ranging from 4.98 to 4.85 eV, respectively. The photodetector measurements indicate that the NiO NPs/PS structures, formed at 700 mJ, exhibited maximum responsivity visible ranges of 0.065 A/W at 400 nm wavelength and 0.137 A/W at 600 nm wavelength. The results indicated that the spectral responsivity, detectivity, and quantum efficiency of the photodetectors comprised of p-NiO NPs/PS/n-Si were significantly associated with the laser energy employed to prepare the NiO NPs. The fabricated detector achieved its highest spectral response when the NiO NPs were prepared at an energy of 700 mJ. The NiO NPs/PS structures fabricated in this research, which integrate NiO NPs with Si nanostructure, suggest significant promise for deployment as highly effective photodetectors.