Observation of band gap and surface defects of ZnO nanoparticles synthesized via hydrothermal route at different reaction temperature

The effects of reaction temperature on the average particle size, surface defects and band gap of ZnO nanoparticles have been systematically investigated. The hydrothermal method was employed to synthesize ZnO nanostructures. The nanostructures of the resultant ZnO were studied by means of X-ray diffraction, Transmission Electron Microscopy, Ultraviolet–visible absorption, Raman, Fourier transform Infra-red and Photoluminescence spectroscopy. With increase in the reaction temperature, the peak position of the ultraviolet emission shifts slightly towards the red wavelength and the crystal quality was improved. The prepared ZnO nanoparticles have residual intermediate compound on the surface in the form of an acetate group, which acts as defect centers for the emission of yellow emission. Spectra analyses show that the visible emission depends strongly on the preparation conditions.

► Band gap of ZnO nanoparticle is tailored with reaction temperature.
► Surface defects are lessened as a function of reaction temperature.
► Crystallinity and the peak intensity ratios of near-band edge emission to visible emission enhanced, as a result has a great potential in UV emission devises.