Modulating ZnO nanoparticle photoluminescence through Ce³⁺-Induced defect engineering: A study of microstructural and spectroscopic properties

Abstract

This work investigates the effect of Cerium ion (Ce³⁺) doping on the light-matter interactions and morphology of chemically synthesized ZnO nanoparticles are studied as a function of Ce³⁺ doping concentration of ${\text{Zn}}_{1-x}{\text{Ce}}_{x}O$ ($x=0,0.1,0.2\text{,}$ and $0.3$). The impact of Ce³⁺ doping on the electronic structure and morphology of chemically co-precipitated ZnO nanoparticles is examined. The optical, morphological, and structural properties of ZnO nanoparticles are modified by Ce³⁺ doping. The lattice parameters of the wurtzite hexagonal ZnO phase, with a secondary CeO₂ phase, were slightly distorted by Ce³⁺ substitution for Zn²⁺ ions. This was confirmed by Rietveld refinement of X-ray diffraction (XRD) data using FullProf software. A comprehensive study was conducted to investigate the morphology, particle size distribution, and shape of the Ce³⁺-doped nanoparticles. TEM and SEM were used to characterize these structural properties. UV–vis spectroscopy showed a red-shift in the bandgap due to Ce³⁺ doping, with bandgap energy (E_g) of 2.81 eV; an absorption edge (E_u) = 1.29 eV. Localized energy states were formed within the band structure, as evidenced by the red-shift. Ce³⁺ doping induced a red-shift in the Zn-O bond vibrational mode, as observed by FTIR spectroscopy. The increased PL emission intensity suggested improved optical properties. Ce³⁺ doping significantly modified the optical properties of the ZnO nanoparticles. This study highlights the potential of Ce³⁺-doped ZnO nanoparticles for optoelectronic applications requiring tunable optical properties. Further investigation into the antibacterial properties of these synthesized NPs is warranted, as they show promise in this area.