Structural and optical characterization of zirconium(oxy)nitride synthesized from zirconium dioxide nanoparticles

Abstract

In recent years, there has been a growing focus on solar thermal collectors as they offer a direct and efficient means of converting solar energy into usable forms. In line with this, significant attention has been directed towards advancing transition metal nitride and metal oxynitride nanostructures for solar-thermal collectors to maximize solar energy harvesting. In this study, we have successfully synthesized zirconium(oxy)nitride (Zr(O)N) materials for photothermal energy conversion. The process involved treating ZrO₂ in NH₃ at high temperatures, resulting in the creation of nanoparticles with promising properties. To characterize the materials, we conducted thorough investigations using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and ultraviolet-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV-Vis DRS). The findings indicate that the Zr(O)N crystalline phase initiates its formation at 1150°C. The Zr(O)N materials possess a robust capacity for absorbing solar energy and efficiently producing heat. Furthermore, these outcomes highlight the feasibility of synthesizing Zr(O)N through a straightforward approach, underscoring their significant potential for applications in photothermal conversion.