LAUSR

Abstract In the present work thrust has been given to understand different properties of Co-doped ZnO nanopowders. Pure ZnO and Co doped ZnO semiconductor nanopowders (Zn 1 − x Co x O, x = 0.01, 0.02, 0.03 and 0.04) were synthesized by using solution method. The X-ray diffraction revealed the formation of single crystalline phase and also indicated successful incorporation of cobalt ions into ZnO lattice without formation of secondary phase of cobalt. Scanning electron micrographs showed change in surface morphology with Co doping. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy also indicated presence of Co 2 + ions into ZnO matrix. A blue shift in the band gap, which increases with increasing Co-doping, was found from the Tauc's plots. Fourier transform infrared spectrum indicated formation of wurtzite structure of ZnO. Photoluminescence spectrum showed emergence of near band edge emission (NBE) with Co doping. In addition, the dilute magnetic semiconductor (DMS) nature was also observed for doped semiconducting ZnO nanoparticles.