Rapid microwave-assisted synthesis and characterization of a novel CuCoTe nanocomposite material for optoelectronic and dielectric applications

Abstract

In the realm of nanomaterial research, copper telluride and cobalt telluride have individually attracted considerable attention owing to their unique properties and potential applications. However, there exists a notable gap in the literature when it comes to the exploration of composite materials derived from these elements. From this point of view, a ternary CuCoTe nanocomposite was prepared using the microwave synthesis method. Various characterizations were performed by varying the power and irradiation time. X-Ray diffraction study and transmission electron microscopy analysis confirmed the polycrystalline nature of the material with Cu₂Te and CoTe hexagonal phases. Field emission scanning electron microscopy images reveal nanoparticle-like morphology, which remains unchanged even when the time of irradiation increases. In addition, the nanoparticle size of the material lies in the range of 30–39 nm. The differential scanning calorimetry inferred various exothermic and endothermic peaks. Meanwhile, the optical analysis from the UV-visible study shows the red-shifted absorbance, enabling the material for semiconductor and photovoltaic devices. Furthermore, the optical bandgap of the material varies in the range from 2.45 to 3.61 eV, which reveals the tuneable bandgap desiring the material for various optoelectronic applications. The frequency-temperature-dependent dielectric study gives results for dielectric parameters, conductivity, and impedance behaviour. The material's dielectric constant, dielectric loss, and AC conductivity enhance with the increase in temperature. This behaviour of the material broadens the area of applicability in energy storage devices.