Synthesis and characterization of Mn-doped ZnO nanocrystals

We report the synthesis and characterization of several sizes of Mn-doped ZnO nanocrystals, both in the free-standing and the capped particle forms. The sizes of these nanocrystals could be controlled by capping them with polyvinyl pyrollidone under different synthesis conditions and were estimated by X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. The absorption properties of PVP-capped Mn-doped ZnO exhibit an interesting variation of the band gap with the concentration of Mn. Fluorescence emission, electron paramagnetic resonance, and X-ray absorption spectroscopy provide evidence for the presence of Mn in the interior as well as on the surface of the nanocrystals.