Vidhika Sharma

Bio: Vidhika Sharma is an academic researcher from Savitribai Phule Pune University. The author has contributed to research in topics: Thin film & Photoelectrochemical cell. The author has an hindex of 12, co-authored 40 publications receiving 547 citations. Previous affiliations of Vidhika Sharma include National Chemical Laboratory & Dayalbagh Educational Institute.

Preparation and characterization of nanostructured ZnO thin films for photoelectrochemical splitting of water

Abstract: Nanostructured zinc oxide thin films (ZnO) were prepared on conducting glass support (SnO2: F overlayer) via sol-gel starting from colloidal solution of zinc acetate 2-hydrate in ethanol and 2-methoxy ethanol. Films were obtained by spin coating at 1500 rpm under room conditions (temperature, 28–35°C) and were subsequently sintered in air at three different temperatures (400, 500 and 600°C). The evolution of oxide coatings under thermal treatment was studied by glancing incidence X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. Average particle size, resistivity and bandgap energy were also determined. Photoelectrochemical properties of thin films and their suitability for splitting of water were investigated. Study suggests that thin films of ZnO, sintered at 600°C are better for photoconversion than the films sintered at 400 or 500°C. Plausible explanations have been provided.

Enhanced Photoelectrochemical Response of BaTiO3 with Fe Doping: Experiments and First-Principles Analysis

Abstract: We use a combination of experiments and first-principles density functional theory based calculations in a study of the photoelectrochemical properties of Fe-doped BaTiO3 nanopowder. BaTiO3 with 0....

Electrochemical synthesis of 1D ZnO nanoarchitectures and their role in efficient photoelectrochemical splitting of water

Abstract: Solution-based controlled morphological 1D ZnO nanorods (NRs) and nanotubes (NTs) were synthesized by a very simple and versatile electrodeposition method. The X-ray diffraction, UV-Vis spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy were used to characterize phase, composition quality, and optical properties of synthesized ZnO NRs and NTs. Growth mechanism, morphological evolutions, structural intactness of ZnO NRs, NTs, and their subsequent use as photoanode for efficient photoelectrochemical splitting of water are discussed in detail. ZnO NTs exhibited markedly enhanced photocurrent density of 0.67 mA/cm2 at 0.5 V vs SCE over NRs and also benefited from more negative flat band potential for hydrogen evolution.

Vertically aligned nanocrystalline Cu–ZnO thin films for photoelectrochemical splitting of water

Abstract: Cu-incorporated nanocrystalline ZnO thin films were deposited on glass substrate by sol–gel. To a solution of zinc acetate 2-hydrate in dimethyl formamide, calculated quantities of copper acetate were added. The clear solution, obtained after 2 h of continuous stirring, was coated on ITO plates. Pre-annealing at 250 °C was followed by sintering at 400, 500, and 600 °C. XRD analysis revealed dominant evolution of hexagonal ZnO with a possible simultaneous growth of meta-stable cubic ZnO. AFM and SEM analysis indicated preferential growth of nanocrystallites along c-axis. Optical characterization led to two prominent absorption thresholds in the UV region; one matching with the band gap of bulk ZnO and the second at slightly higher energy, suggesting quantum confinement effect in nanocrystallites. Cu incorporation influenced the two band gap energies differently. Photoelectrochemical splitting of water using 1% at. Cu–ZnO film sintered at 600 °C resulted in 141% gain in photocurrent at zero bias.

Nuclear Tracks in Solids (Principles and Applications)

Abstract: (1976). Nuclear Tracks in Solids (Principles and Applications) Nuclear Technology: Vol. 30, No. 1, pp. 91-92.

Nanomaterials: a review of synthesis methods, properties, recent progress, and challenges

Abstract: Nanomaterials have emerged as an amazing class of materials that consists of a broad spectrum of examples with at least one dimension in the range of 1 to 100 nm. Exceptionally high surface areas can be achieved through the rational design of nanomaterials. Nanomaterials can be produced with outstanding magnetic, electrical, optical, mechanical, and catalytic properties that are substantially different from their bulk counterparts. The nanomaterial properties can be tuned as desired via precisely controlling the size, shape, synthesis conditions, and appropriate functionalization. This review discusses a brief history of nanomaterials and their use throughout history to trigger advances in nanotechnology development. In particular, we describe and define various terms relating to nanomaterials. Various nanomaterial synthesis methods, including top-down and bottom-up approaches, are discussed. The unique features of nanomaterials are highlighted throughout the review. This review describes advances in nanomaterials, specifically fullerenes, carbon nanotubes, graphene, carbon quantum dots, nanodiamonds, carbon nanohorns, nanoporous materials, core–shell nanoparticles, silicene, antimonene, MXenes, 2D MOF nanosheets, boron nitride nanosheets, layered double hydroxides, and metal-based nanomaterials. Finally, we conclude by discussing challenges and future perspectives relating to nanomaterials.

Electrochemical Synthesis of Photoelectrodes and Catalysts for Use in Solar Water Splitting

Abstract: This review focuses on introducing and explaining electrodepostion mechanisms and electrodeposition-based synthesis strategies used for the production of catalysts and semiconductor electrodes for use in water-splitting photoelectrochemical cells (PECs). It is composed of three main sections: electrochemical synthesis of hydrogen evolution catalysts, oxygen evolution catalysts, and semiconductor electrodes. The semiconductor section is divided into two parts: photoanodes and photocathodes. Photoanodes include n-type semiconductor electrodes that can perform water oxidation to O2 using photogenerated holes, while photocathodes include p-type semiconductor electrodes that can reduce water to H2 using photoexcited electrons. For each material type, deposition mechanisms were reviewed first followed by a brief discussion on its properties relevant to electrochemical and photoelectrochemical water splitting. Electrodeposition or electrochemical synthesis is an ideal method to produce individual components and ...