Structural and optical properties of Co-doped ZnO nano-ampoules synthesized by co-precipitation method

Pure ZnO and Co-doped ZnO (Zn0.98Co0.02O) nano-powder have been synthesized by co-precipitation method. Detailed XRD analysis shows that prepared nanocrystalline samples have single phase, wurtzite structure. Relative increment in (0 0 2) Bragg peak has been observed due to one dimensional growth in Co ions doped ZnO. The SAED pattern and TEM images confirm the single phase, wurtzite structure and nano-ampoule shape of Co-doped ZnO. In UV-vis measurements, the absorption edge is blue shifted with Co-doping in ZnO lattice. Tuned band gap of ZnO with Co-doping offers its potential application in solar cells.