Synthesis and Characterization of Perovskite Na0.5Bi0.5Ti0.94Fe0.06O2.97 Film for Photovoltaic Applications

Abstract

In this study, sodium bismuth titanate ferroelectric ceramics with a nanoscale structure and low iron content (NBTF) were prepared, providing an alternative to lead-based materials. Lead poses environmental and health risks due to its toxicity. NBTF aims to develop a more sustainable ferroelectric composition. The structural, optical, and electrical properties of Na0.5Bi0.5Ti1-xFexO3-0.5x (x=0.06) were investigated. X-ray diffraction revealed the material crystallizes in the rhombohedral phase, with crystallite size of approximately 19.1 nm in size. Infrared and Raman spectroscopy confirmed the formation of a perovskite structure containing Fe ions, evidenced by Ti-O stretching and O-Fe-O bending vibrations. Raman spectroscopy also identified a broad peak at high frequencies, suggesting the generation of oxygen vacancies induced by the dopant. Electrical characterization demonstrated semiconductor behavior with a bandgap of 1.84 eV, showing potential for optoelectronic applications. The study focused on the effect of oxygen vacancies on electrical conductivity. Furthermore, a nano-perovskite heterojunction photodiode comprising Al/p-Si/NBTF/Ag was successfully fabricated and evaluated. Under reverse bias, photocurrent increased compared to the dark state with rising illumination intensity. Device parameters including reaction order, ideality factor, and carrier lifetime were calculated. Collectively, these results indicate promise for integrating this heterostructure photodiode into electronic circuitry applications.

Keywords

• nbtf nanostructure
• perovskite
• oxygen vacancies
• electrical conductivity
• photodiode