Structural, morphological and luminescence studies on pristine and La doped zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles

The pristine and lanthanum doped ZnO nanoparticles were synthesized by sol–gel method by the optimized conditions and parameters. The formation of ZnO nanoparticles was confirmed by powder X-ray diffraction, high resolution scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive analysis and photoluminescence studies. The average size of pristine and La doped ZnO nanoparticles are decreased by increasing the concentration of La into the ZnO. At higher concentration of lanthanum, the particle size is increased. Photoluminescence properties of ZnO nanoparticles at room temperature were studied and the yellow–orange emission from the nanoparticles could be originated from the oxygen vacancy or interstitial based defects.