Synthesis and Characterization of Transition Metals Doped ZnO Nanorods

Different morphologies of undoped and transition metals (Mn, Co and Ni) doped one-dimensional (1D) ZnO nanocrystals were successfully synthesized by chemical method in an air atmosphere using polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as a surfactant. The structure and optical properties were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), ultraviolet visible (UV-vis) absorption spectra and photoluminescence (PL) spectra. The doped ZnO nanorods exhibited a blue-shifted band gap and enhanced ultraviolet (UV) emission. In addition defect related emission was observed for the doped ZnO.