Photoresponse properties of green-assisted Fe3O4 nanoparticles supported activated carbon

The photoresponse properties of green synthesized Fe 3 O 4 (gFe 3 O 4 ) supported-activated carbon (AC/g-Fe 3 O 4 ) were studied using a photocurrent characterization approach. Preliminary UV–Vis analysis suggested a reduction in the band gap energy when activated carbon is incorporated into gFe 3 O 4 nanoparticles (2.61 → 1.57 eV). The current-voltage characteristics indicate semiconductor features for both gFe 3 O 4 and AC/gFe 3 O 4 nanoparticles. The photodetector measurements indicate a significantly enhanced response for AC/gFe 3 O 4 and can be attributed to increased rectification and photogenerated carriers emanating from the activated carbon incorporation. The study proposes AC/gFe 3 O 4 nanocomposite as a novel material that can be used for the fabrication of photodetectors and other related optoelectronic devices. • Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles was synthesized via green plant extract from Ocimum Gratissimum . • Highly crystallized microstructure property for green assisted Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles. • Reduction optical band gap of Fe 3 O 4 when activated carbon was incorporated. • Weakly doped p-type semiconductor features were observed for gFe 3 O 4 nanoparticles. • Significant increase in photosensitivity of gFe 3 O 4 nanoparticles when supported activated carbon.