Structural characteristic, Raman analysis and optical properties of indium-doped ZnO nanoparticles prepared by sol-gel method.

Un-doped and indium (0-9 at.%) doped ZnO nanoparticles were prepared by the sol-gel method. The nanoparticles were heated at 700 degrees C-800 degrees C for 1 hour in air and then analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDS), Raman spectra and photoluminescence (PL). The results were compared to investigate the structural characteristics and physical properties. XRD patterns of the Indium-doped ZnO (IZO) nanoparticles were similar to those of the ZnO nanoparticles. Notably, the crystalline quality of the ZnO nanoparticles had reduced with increasing the concentration of indium doping. The In2O3 phase of IZO and the crystallized structures affected the UV emission band and the green emission band of PL. The Indium-doped (5 at.% - 7 at.%) ZnO nanoparticles possessed higher crystalline quality and better optical properties.