Synthesis and physical properties of Ag doped niobium pentoxide thin films for Ag–Nb2O5/Si heterojunction device

Ag nanoparticles were homogenously sparsed on Nb 2 O 5 thin films, by drop casting method at different doping duration between 30 to120 s. The effect of incorporated silver on the structural and optical properties was analyzed using x-ray diffraction technique, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and UV–vis spectroscopy. A reduction in the films crystallinity was observed due to Ag incorporation within the host material. The obtained results of the Ag–Nb 2 O 5 thin films revealed uniform, dense and smooth surface with shifted absorbance towards visible region at different doping periods. Ag–Nb 2 O 5 /Si heterojunction devices were successfully prepared with enhanced opto-electronic properties in comparison with its pure Nb 2 O 5 /Si heterojunction device. The shifted spectral responsivity was noticed at selected doping time. This has resulted in enhancement of the device electrical properties.