Synthesis and characterization of semiconducting oxide nanoparticles and hybrid composites with energy-related applications

The advent of modern devices requires the development of multifunctional nanomaterials with improved performance, while involving low-cost and sustainable processing. In this frame semiconducting oxide nanoparticles and hybrid composites formed by their combination with an organic matrix are gaining increasing attention based on their versatility and wide range of applicability in many fields of technological research. In this work semiconducting oxide nanoparticles (SnO, SnO2, TiO2, Ni-Mn-O) and hybrid composites formed with the nanoparticles embedded in Poly(3,4-ethylene-dioxythiophene)-poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) have been synthesized following diverse chemical routes. The samples have been characterized by using advanced microscopy and spectroscopy techniques and their performance in photovoltaics, thermoelectrics, gas sensing, and energy-related applications have been evaluated. Improvements were achieved by the synergy between the components of the composites.