Synthesis, structure, luminescence and photophysical properties of nano CuO·ZnO·ZnAl2O4 multi metal oxide

A multi metal oxide, CuO·ZnO·ZnAl2O4, was prepared by co-precipitation of their carbonates from the aqueous solution of the metal nitrates. Sample was dried in an oven for 3 hours at 220 °C and then sintered at 600 °C for 6 h and 900 °C for 10 h to convert the carbonate of the sample into their oxides. The morphology and crystallinity of the particles were investigated with scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and TEM analysis. Photoluminescence spectra of CuO·ZnO·ZnAl2O4 showed four peaks at 2.52, 2.70, 2.86 and 3.02 eV. The separation energy between adjacent peaks is about 0.16 eV. Huang-Rhys factor S, which indicates the strength of electron-phonon interaction for CuO·ZnO·ZnAl2O4 was calculated to be 1.3. Solution emission spectra of CuO·ZnO·ZnAl2O4 in acetone showed peaks at 2.68, 2.85, 3.00 and 3.17 eV with separation energy similar to that found for solid samples. Thermal stability and luminescence spectra-structure relations have been appraised.