Bio-engineered ZnO/PSi nanocomposites: Structural and optical properties for biosensing applications

Porous silicon (PSi) and zinc oxide (ZnO) nanocomposites have emerged as promising materials for optoelectronic, sensing, and biomedical applications due to their unique structural and optical properties. This study investigates the synthesis, structural characterization, and photonic response of ZnO/PSi nanocomposites fabricated via atomic layer deposition (ALD). The influence of ZnO deposition on the optical properties of PSi is analyzed using UV-Vis absorption, photoluminescence (PL), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques. Post-deposition annealing enhances the crystallinity and charge transport dynamics of ZnO, optimizing its performance for photonic applications. Additionally, the biocompatibility of the ZnO/PSi system is evaluated through cytotoxicity assays, highlighting its potential for biomedical use. The findings of this research provide valuable insights into the design and optimization of ZnO/PSi-based materials for advanced photonic and biosensing applications.