Properties of Cu and V co-doped ZnO nanoparticles annealed in different atmospheres

Zn0.97Cu0.01V0.02O nanoparticles have been successfully prepared by the sol–gel method and sintered at 600 °C in argon and air atmosphere, respectively. The effects of annealing atmosphere on the structural, optical and magnetic properties of the obtained samples were studied. The X-ray diffraction result showed that the Zn0.97Cu0.01V0.02O was single phase with the wurtzite structure of ZnO. The sample annealed in air had much better crystallization. Photoluminescence shows an increase in green emission when annealing in argon. The two Zn0.97Cu0.01V0.02O samples exhibited ferromagnetism at room temperature. The ferromagnetism in this study was itself property of Cu, V co-doped ZnO and not originated from the secondary phase.

► The ZnCuVO nanoparticles sintered at different atmosphere were synthesized.
► The samples were single phase with the ZnO-like wurtzite structure.
► Annealing in argon enhanced the green emission.
► Oxygen vacancy plays a crucial role in mediating the ferromagnetism.