Synthesis and characterization of Ag-doped ZnO by one-step microwave-assisted hydrothermal methods

Ag-doped ZnO particles have been synthesized by one-step microwave-assisted hydrothermal methods at 110 degrees C with different molar concentrations of Ag+ as dopant. X-ray diffraction results disclosed a successful doping of Ag, in which it exists as interstitial atom. Scanning electron microscopy results show bi-pillar-shaped hexagonal structures for sample without silver doping, but single hexagonal pillar with different micro-structures for samples with doping. Room-temperature photoluminescence spectra show a co-emission of a near-bandgap emission and a broad orange emission peak, which means a large density of oxygen interstitials. By analyzing experimental results, the existence of Ag+ in solutions is suggested as the key factor for the formation of hollow single pillar structure of ZnO. The corresponding growth mechanism is suggested to understand the formation of structures.

Automated summary

Ag-doped ZnO particles were synthesized by one-step microwave-assisted hydrothermal methods with different molar concentrations of Ag+ as dopant. X-ray diffraction confirmed the successful doping of Ag, which exists as interstitial atom. Scanning electron microscopy revealed bi-pillar-shaped hexagonal structures for samples without silver doping, but a single hexagonal pillar with different micro-structures for doped samples. Room-temperature photoluminescence spectra showed a co-emission of a near-bandgap emission and a broad orange emission peak, indicating the presence of a high density of oxygen interstitials. Experimental results suggested that the existence of Ag+ in solutions is the key factor for the formation of hollow single pillar structure of ZnO. The corresponding growth mechanism was proposed to understand the formation of structures.