Highly crystalline poly o-chloroaniline-AgCl spherical nanocomposite thin film as an efficient light-capturing material for optoelectronic devices

Abstract

The creation of advanced optoelectronic materials with innovative photon-trapping capabilities is a promising area of research. A highly crystalline poly o-chloroaniline-AgCl spherical nanocomposite (POCA-AgCl S-nanocomposite) has been synthesized and employed as a light-sensing material in the UV to near-IR regions. This composite is fabricated using a one-pot method, demonstrating significant potential as an effective light-capturing material for optoelectronic devices. This nanocomposite features excellent absorbance across the optical spectrum, an ideal bandgap of 1.7 eV, and high porosity with spherical nanoparticles approximately 150 nm in size. The POCA-AgCl S-nanocomposite thin film is effective for light sensing and capture across a broad optical spectrum, ranging from IR to UV. Sensitivity to incident photons was tested using linear sweep voltammetry within a potential range of -2.0 to 2.0 V. The resulting current density (J_ph) showed how well the device responded to light and detected incoming photons. The photoresponsivity (R) values followed the changes in J_ph across different photon energies and wavelengths, with the best R values of 0.8 mA/W at 3.6 eV (340 nm) and 0.78 mA/W at 2.8 eV (440 nm). These values decreased with lower photon energies, reaching a minimum at 1.7 eV (730 nm). Similarly, the D values ranged from 0.18 × 10⁹ Jones at 3.6 eV to 0.17 × 10⁹ Jones at 2.8 eV, decreasing to 0.09 × 10⁹ Jones at 730 nm. Notably, the high sensitivity across the entire optical spectrum highlights the POCA-AgCl S-nanocomposite thin film’s promise as a material for light capture and sensing across a wide range of optical spectra. Given its great stability, low-cost production, and suitability for mass production, this fabricated optoelectronic device is a promising candidate for industrial applications.