Effect of Precursors on Structural and Optical Properties of Sol-Gel Synthesized ZnO Nanopowders

摘要

The present work aims at evaluating the outcome of zinc precursors on the crystal structure, shape, surface and optical properties of ZnO nanopowders. Zinc oxide nanopowders are fabricated via simple, cost-effective, low-temperature, the sol-gel method using different zinc precursors such as zinc nitrate and zinc chloride. The structural properties of the obtained ZnO nanopowders are studied using X-ray diffraction spectra and their morphology from SEM micrographs. Further, Fourier transform infrared spectra reveals the existence of functional groups that supports the formation of zinc oxide. Moreover, optical absorption and emission of ZnO nanopowders were evaluate during ultraviolet-visible and photoluminescence spectra. The results of this study revealed that the precursor is significant in altering the crystallite size, shape, optical absorption and emission entities of nanopowders. In addition, the role of zinc precursors to fabricate nanopowders that is suitable for various optoelectronic device applications were also discussed.