Photovoltaic and photocatalytic applications and characterization of ZnO and Fe, MN doped ZnO nanoparticles by green synthesis method from fig leaf

This thesis investigates the synthesis of metal-doped ZnO nanoparticles using green synthesis methods with fig leaf extract, and their potential applications in photolytic and photovoltaic fields. The main focus of the study is to examine the photocatalytic and photovoltaic properties of these nanoparticles. Initially, ZnO nanoparticles were synthesized by doping with Mn and Fe using a green synthesis approach, which aims to reduce environmental impact by minimizing chemical usage. The structural and chemical characteristics of these nanoparticles were thoroughly characterized using various analytical techniques such as Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). These analyses confirmed the successful synthesis of the nanoparticles with the expected chemical composition. The first main application explored in the thesis is the photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue. Photocatalytic tests demonstrated that the metal-doped ZnO nanoparticles effectively degraded methylene blue, showing high activity. These results indicate the potential of these nanoparticles as photocatalysts in water purification technologies. The second application area investigated is the photovoltaic properties of the nanoparticles. The potential use of metal-doped ZnO nanoparticles in photovoltaic devices was evaluated, and the results suggested that these nanoparticles could enhance the efficiency of electricity production from sunlight, thus contributing to the development of more effective solar cells. In conclusion, this thesis highlights the potential of metal-doped ZnO nanoparticles synthesized via green methods for environmental and energy applications, suggesting that these nanoparticles could make significant contributions to future technologies.