Nitridation of metal salen-derived ZnGa2O4 particles using a solid nitrogen source

Zinc gallium oxynitride, (Ga 1-x Zn x )(N 1-x O x ), was synthesized by the reaction of zinc gallium oxynitride, ZnGa 2 O 4 , with a solid nitrogen source of Li 3 N at 823 K. A thermolysis of the mixture of gallium salen and zinc acetate produced ZnGa 2 O 4 particles with a 2D morphology. The optimization of zinc and gallium ratio was examined in synthesizing ZnGa 2 O 4 . After nitridation, zinc gallium oxynitride with a cauliflower-like morphology was produced as a major product for zinc-rich precursor, whereas LiGaO 2 and GaN were the major products for zinc-poor precursor.