Ultrasonication-assisted synthesis of morphology-controlled gallium oxide nanoparticles for high-performance photoelectronic device applications

Abstract

Gallium oxide (GaOOH and Ga₂O₃) nanomaterials exhibit exceptional physical properties, including a wide bandgap, high specific surface area, enhanced reactivity, and quantum confinement effects, making them versatile for applications such as deep ultraviolet detection, photocatalysis, gas sensing, and biomedicine. This study introduces a novel ultrasonic chemical synthesis approach that overcomes these limitations by employing ultrasonic waves to facilitate chemical reactions without requiring catalysts. The morphology of the synthesized nanomaterials, including nanospheres, nanorods, and nanoflowers, were precisely tailored by modulating the kinetic pathways of Ga surface reactions. The growth mechanisms of these nanomaterials were elucidated using first-principles calculations combined with advanced characterization techniques. Finally, the synthesized gallium oxide nanomaterials were applied in ultraviolet optoelectronic conversion and photocatalysis, demonstrating superior solar-blind selectivity (photoresponsivity of 0.22 A W⁻¹ at 254 nm), rapid response times (decay response time of <100 ms), and high catalytic efficiency (91% photodegradation efficiency under 60 minutes of UV irradiation). This innovative approach not only simplifies the synthesis of gallium oxide nanomaterials but also expands their applicability across diverse fields, providing a sustainable and efficient pathway for developing high-performance nanomaterial-based technologies.