Impact of the Al-N co-doping on the structure and properties of ZnO nanocrystals

Abstract

Compared to single-element-doped ZnO, Al-N co-doping provides substantial enhancements in the photoelectric properties and chemical stability. In this study, the Al-N co-doped ZnO nanocrystals were successfully synthesized via precipitation and subsequent atmospheric heat-treatment methods, and the effect of co-doping on the structure and optical properties of ZnO nanocrystals was also investigated. We found that the presence of Al in ZnO enhances the solid solubility of N, leading to the successful co-incorporation of Al and N into the ZnO lattice. The Al-N co-doping resulted in a decrease in the band gap of ZnO nanocrystals. However, structural characterizations revealed that the direct bonding between Al and N hinder the further improvement of optical properties. This study provides valuable insights for optimizing the structure of doped ZnO and tailoring their functional properties.