(Al,Sn)-codoped ZnO powders with a constant molar ratio of Zn: Al (99:1) and various molar ratios of Sn/Al (0–0.02) were synthesized by a sol–gel process and characterized by x-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and ultraviolet (UV)-vis and luminescent spectrophotometries. The experiments indicated that the powders have random orientation and decreased particle size with increasing Sn content. The Sn codoping decreased absorbance in the UV-visible light range and widened the band gap. The molar ratio of Sn/Al = 0.01 showed an optimal effect. The Sn codoping also increased the native defect concentration of ZnO, thereby enhancing the emissions in the range of visible light.
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Acknowledgements
The authors thank Ms. F. Tian of the Northwest Institute for Non-Ferrous Metal Research for her kind assistance in SEM measurement; and Mr. J.P. Wu, Dr. H. Liu, and Dr. Y.P. Qiao of the Shaanxi University of Science and Technology for their kind assistance in XRD, UV–vis spectra, and photoluminescence measurements, respectively.
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He, HY., Chen, P. & Wang, LL. Enhancement in the Optical Properties of ZnO:Al Nanopowders by Sn Codoping. JOM 65, 690–694 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11837-013-0602-7
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11837-013-0602-7