In this paper, we present a simple microwave-assisted synthesis of Zn1 - xCoxO nanopowders.
With the advantages of the microwave-assisted method, we have successfully synthesized good crystalline
quality and good surface morphology Zn1 - xCoxO nanopowders. The nanopowders are characterized by Xray
diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), UV-VIS absorption, and micro-Raman
spectroscopy. We found, in the synthesis process, the surfactant Triethanolamine (TEA) plays an important
role on the morphology of Zn1 - xCoxO nanoparticles. The XRD study shows that for Co doping up to 5%,
Co2+ ions are successfully incorporated into the ZnO host matrix. The absorption spectra of Zn1 - xCoxO (x
= 1-5%) nanopowders show several peaks at 660, 611 and 565 nm, indicating the presence of Co2+ ions in
the tetrahedral sites. The Raman study shows that the linewidth of E2
low mode increases with Co
concentration, which further indicates the incorporation of Co2+ ions into the ZnO host matrix. ?? 2010
Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
