Single and bivalent metal-cations co-doped ZnO nanopowders: synthesis and characterization

Ultraviolet light-based devices have received great attention due to their applications in various fields including health, industry, and water purification. In this view, we have developed energetic ultraviolet light-emitting zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticle powders by co-doping of single and bivalent metal-ions namely silver and manganese ions, i.e., Ag1+ and Mn2+. The as-synthesized ZnO nanoparticle powders were analyzed by characterizing with X-ray diffractometry, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Raman microscopy, UV-Vis spectrometry, and Photoluminescence techniques. ZnO nanoparticle powders developed at a typical metal-ions doping concentration exhibited an enhanced optical band gap (similar to 8.5%). Though the morphology and crystal structures of ZnO nanoparticle powders remain unchanged, their particle size decreased from 30 to 13 nm, and optical emission gradually decreased while increasing the doping concentrations of metal ions.