Synthesis and properties of composite materials based on zinc oxide nanoparticles in an insulating matrix

A composite material based on zinc oxide nanoparticles synthesized by the chemical hydrothermal method and a polymer insulated matrix of sodium silicate was obtained. Free zinc oxide nanoparticles were formed by heating an equimolar solution of zinc nitrate and hexamethylenetetramine with different pH values (3–5). Nanoparticles were introduced into an aqueous sodium silicate solution and applied on a silicon substrate by centrifugation. Using scanning electron microscopy, we studied the structure and morphology of zinc oxide nanoparticles on a silicon substrate in unbound state and after their introduction into the sodium silicate matrix. It was found that the obtained particles have a hexagonal crystal lattice and a bimodal size distribution. After introduction in the matrix of sodium silicate, only smaller zinc oxide nanoparticles with an average diameter of 45 nm remain in it. Studying of the photoluminesclence spectra of a composite material, including zinc oxide nanoparticles obtained at different pH values of the initial solution, showed the presence of exciton and defectrelated photoluminescence bands with intensity’s maximums located at 383 and 590 nm, respectively. Zinc oxide nanoparticles in the stabilizing matrix of sodium silicate exhibit a higher relative intensity of exciton photoluminescence than unbound particles. The highest value of the relative intensity of exciton photoluminescence was achieved for a composite material including zinc oxide nanoparticles synthesized at pH=3,35 of the initial solution. The resulting composite materials can be used in optoelectronic and photovoltaic devices, and as an optical medium of non-cavity lasers