Structure and Raman scattering of Mg-doped ZnO nanoparticles prepared by sol-gel method

Mg-doped ZnO (MgxZn1-xO, x=0-0.10) nanoparticles were prepared by sol-gel method. Structural characterization by X-ray diffraction (XRD) indicates that the lattice parameter a increases and c decreases linearly with the increase in Mg content (x) due to the substitution of Mg2+ for Zn2+ in ZnO lattice. The blueshift of Raman modes is observed, impling the increase in force constant of atom vibration in the MgxZn1-xO (MgZnO) nanoparticles. Resonant Raman spectra show longitudinal optical phonon overtones up to fifth order, revealing that the short part of the electron-phonon interaction is enhanced and long-range part is weakened by Mg doping.