Improvement of the optical properties of ZnO nanorods by Fe doping

Fe-doped ZnO nanorods were prepared using an in situ low-temperature hydrothermal synthesis. Fe-doped ZnO nanorods synthesized in the solution containing 30 mM of (CH3CO2)2Fe exhibited a 40% increased IUV/IDLE ratio compared to undoped ZnO nanorods. Oxygen deficiencies were significantly reduced with Fe doping in ZnO nanorods, and Fe was incorporated in ZnO nanostructure in a Fe3+-like state. It is suggested that the addition of Fe3+ into a ZnO nanostructure disturbs the recombination of electrons and holes by bonding with electrons in singly ionized oxygen vacancies. Consequently, green emission is reduced and the optical properties of ZnO nanorods are improved.