Porphyrins as Multifunctional Interconnects in Networks of ZnO Nanoparticles and their Application in Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

Catalytic properties of supramolecular polymetallated porphyrins

Supramolecular polymetallated pyridylporphyrins have been specially designed for exploring the binding and synergism between the macrocyclic system and the peripheral metal complexes. Their chemistry has been reviewed, focusing on the outstanding behavior in solution or as thin organized films generated with several nanomaterials, for application as molecular devices and in energy conversion processes.

Investigations on synthesis, characterization and humidity sensing properties of ZnO and ZnO-ZrO2 composite nanoparticles prepared by ultrasonic assisted wet chemical method

In the present investigations, Zinc oxide (ZnO) and ZnO-ZrO₂ composite nanoparticles were synthesized by ultrasonic assisted wet chemical method to investigate their structural, optical and humidity sensing properties. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized by the techniques like X ray diffraction (XRD), UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS). XRD and EDS were employed to confirm the phase formation and phase purity respectively. SEM micrographs showed that morphology of the parent compound ZnO is considerably changed with varying concentration of ZrO₂. The optical absorption spectra showed that optical absorption of ZnO decreases with increase in ZrO₂ content in the composite. The observed band gap values for ZnO and ZnO-ZrO₂ composites were higher as compared to the bulk sample. The humidity sensing performance was substantiated for all the samples and the result of effect of concentration of ZrO₂ in ZnO-ZrO₂ composites on sensitivity, response and recovery time are discussed in detail.