Sustainable Fabrication of ZnO Nanostructures for Enhanced Photovoltaic Performance: Insights from SEM and XRD Analysis

Abstract

The study of sustainable ZnO nanostructure coatings for photovoltaic cells has advanced solar energy technologies. Hydrothermal and sol-gel methods were utilized to make ZnO nanorods, nanowires, nanoflowers, nanoplates, and nanotubes. These nanostructures have many shapes and crystalline arrangements. SEM revealed different shapes. The average length of nanorods, nanoflowers, nanoplates, and nanotubes is 150, 120, 200, and 160 nm, respectively. XRD verified crystal structures and dimensions. The 25–30 nanometer crystals have orientations of (002), (101), (103), (110), and (112). These nanoparticles greatly improved solar cell performance. Open circuit voltages were 0.65 V to 0.74 V, while short circuit currents were 11.3 mA to 13.5 mA. Power conversion efficiency ranged from 5.9% to 7.1%, while fill factors were 76% to 85%. A strong association exists between nanostructure morphology, structural properties, and cellular performance. This shows how these settings improve solar cell efficiency. These findings show that ecologically friendly ZnO nanoparticles have exciting potential. They point to efficient, ecologically friendly solar energy conversion methods. Research and development of customized nanoparticles may improve solar devices. This may provide eco-friendly and efficient solar energy systems.

Keywords

• zno nanostructures
• sustainable deposition
• photovoltaic cells
• morphology
• crystallography