Structural, morphological, optical, magnetic, and photocatalytic characteristics of Zn1-3xCoxAgxCuxO nanoparticles

Abstract

The study involved synthesizing ZnO nanoparticles co-doped with Co, Ag, and Cu, labeled as Zn_1-3xCo_xAg_xCu_xO (x = 0.00, 0.01, 0.02, 0.03), using a low-temperature co-precipitation process. Spectroscopic techniques confirmed the successful incorporation of these elements into the ZnO lattice. Structural analysis showed a hexagonal wurtzite crystal structure with microstructural changes across the samples. Lattice property alterations indicated the inclusion of Co²⁺, Ag¹⁺, and Cu²⁺ ions, leading to a crystallite size increase from 25.3 nm to 36.7 nm. FESEM displayed spherical and hexagonal structures. UV-Vis spectroscopy revealed a bandgap reduction from 3.22 eV to 2.92 eV as doping increased, attributed to the Burstein-Moss effect. Raman analysis demonstrated shifts in the E₂^(High) mode due to impurities. The photocatalytic activity of Zn_0.94Co_0.02Ag_0.02Cu_0.02O was 2.2 times higher than pure ZnO for RhB, with hydroxyls radicals as key agents. This material showed exeptional reusability and stability. The nanoparticles also effectively degraded Methyl Orange, Congo Red, and Phenol. The study suggests that co-doping with Co, Ag, and Cu is an effective approach for tuning the ZnO bandgap, highlighting its potential for optoelectronics, spintronics, and photocatalysis, and paving the way for advanced optical and photonic applications.