Graphene oxide:Fe(2)O(3) nanocomposites for photodetector applications: experimental and ab initio density functional theory study

In this report, a GO:Fe(2)O(3) nanocomposite was synthesized using a one-step covalent attachment approach using a sol–gel technique. The optical absorbance, photoconductive, photo-capacitive, and electrical properties were obtained using spectroscopy, and current–voltage (I–V) measurements. An enhanced optical absorbance with corresponding band gap reduction is observed when Fe(2)O(3) nanoparticles are incorporated in GO. A corresponding enhanced photoconductance in the order of ×10(1) was observed due to the impact of band gap narrowing. The enhanced photoconductivity and photo-capacitance can be attributed to energy and charge transfer between GO and Fe atoms, leading to the generation of photo-induced excitons. Density function theory calculations indicate increased charge transfer when GO is doped with Fe–O atoms, which is consistent with experimental data. The observed results could potentially enable the use of GO:Fe(2)O(3) nanocomposites for photodetectors and other optoelectronic applications.