Enhanced photoelectric properties by the coordinating role of doping and modification

Dual technique design in this research has successfully enriched the complementation between doping and surface modification. Here, Co²⁺ doped Ag–ZnO nanocomposites (CAZ NCs) are mass produced by the combustion method. The HRTEM image shows that the doped Co²⁺ and the surface modified Ag nanoparticles on the ZnO NCs are influential on the preferential orientation. Based on the conductivity formula σ = nqμ and the actual verification, the improved photoelectric properties of CAZ NCs under visible light irradiation are attributed to the enhanced light absorption and the weakened recombination of photogenerated electron–hole pairs. It would be instructive for the sound design concept of subsequent material development.