Electronic Structure of Nano-Sized ZnO: A Compton Profile Study

The electronic structure of nano-sized ZnO using Compton scattering technique is reported. The nano-crystalline ZnO of size 10.5 nm is synthesized using the chemical route and characterized by XRD, SEM, TEM probes. Using 59.54 keV gamma-rays, the Compton profile measurements are performed on nano-sized as well as bulk ZnO. The present study reveals the narrower electron momentum density in nano-sized ZnO as compared to bulk sample. The ionic model based free atom Compton profiles for a number of configurations of Zn+xO-x (0.0 <= x <= 2.0) are also performed to estimate the charge transfer on compound formation. The present study suggests different amount of charge transfer from Zn to O atom in the nano-sized and bulk ZnO.