Structural, Electric Modulus, Complex Impedance, and Conductivity Analysis of Ca-ZnO Nanostructured for Optoelectronic Applications

In this study, the sol–gel method was used to investigate the impact of Ca doping on the physical properties of ZnO nanoparticles. Several analytical techniques were utilized to assess the Ca-doped ZnO (ZOC) nanoparticles, including x-ray diffraction (XRD) for structural characterization, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) for morphological analysis, and impedance spectroscopy to assess activation energies, AC conductivity, and complex modulus. Structural analysis confirmed that the prepared samples have a hexagonal structure of ZnO with polycrystalline properties. Additionally, the electrical study indicated that the activation energy of the ZOC nanoparticles at low temperature was 278 meV. Complex modulus measurements displayed a slightly asymmetric peak at each temperature, indicating that the charge carrier hopping mechanism predominates. The improved structural and electrical properties of ZOC nanoparticles enhance their suitability for electronic applications.