Structural and spectroscopic characteristics of ZnO and ZnO:Er3+nanostructures

We report on the synthesis and characterization of ZnO and Er-doped ZnO nanostructures. ZnO powders were synthesized by the coprecipitation and the combustion techniques. ZnO powders prepared by the coprecipitation method exhibit sheet-like nanostructures. The sheet thickness is found to be less than 100 nm. The structural and spectroscopic properties of ZnO powders and sheet-like nanostructures have been investigated and discussed. The x-ray and Raman studies show the effects of Zn deficiency on sintering the ZnO samples at about 1300 °C in air. The luminescent properties of ZnO:Er3+ nanostructures have been illustrated through emission and Raman spectroscopy.