Structural and Photoluminescence Properties of Co2+-Doped ZnCdO Nanopowders

Abstract

A simple solution technique was used for the synthesis of Co²⁺-doped ZnCdO nanopowder. A number of investigation methods have been done on the synthesized powder to study the structural, morphological, and photoluminescence properties. X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies revealed that ZnO is in a hexagonal phase and CdO is in a cubic phase when the samples were calcined at 650°C for 2 h by raising the temperature at the speed of 15°/min. Irregular-shape grains were observed from the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images. Energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX) indicated the existence of doped Co species and constituent metal ions. The bands at 417 and 460 cm^–1 confirmed the presence of ZnO and CdO molecules by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy studies. From optical absorption studies, Dq, B, and C (crystal field parameter and inter-electronic repulsion parameters) were evaluated and found to be 980, 940, and 3800 cm^–1, thus confirming the doped Co²⁺ ions are in octahedral symmetry. Photoluminescence studies showed the emission peaks in the blue region at an excitation wavelength of 360 nm. CIE chromaticity coordinates were estimated at x = 0.1577, y = 0.0771.