Facile synthesis of ZnO/CWO nanocomposite with brilliant enhanced optical response

In this research, novel zinc oxide/cadmium tungstate (ZnO/CWO) nanocomposite was prepared by a simple chemical method. The prepared nanocomposite was characterized for its structural and optical properties by different techniques. For the first time, the radiation response of prepared nanocomposite was studied using 241Am alpha source and ion beam induced luminescence (IBIL) measurement. Also, photocurrent transient responses of the prepared nanocomposite were recorded under Xe source radiation. ZnO/CWO nanocomposite exhibited strong light emission in the blue-green range at room temperature. Under alpha irradiation, the ZnO/CWO nanocomposite showed an excellent sensitivity when compared to pure ZnO or CWO. FESEM and TEM images showed a uniform distribution of spherical nanoparticles with an average particle size of 77 nm. XRD, XPS, and EDX results indicated characteristic peaks of ZnO, CWO, and related elements in the composite. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed the presence of several groups in the nanocomposite. Investigations indicated that the optical quality of the ZnO/CWO nanocomposite was improved when compared with pure ZnO and CWO. According to obtained results, it is anticipated that ZnO/CWO nanocomposite would hold suitable potential for applications in optoelectronic devices and detection.