Tailoring the Dopant Distribution in ZnO:Mn Nanocrystals
Daniela Ghica1, Ioana D Vlaicu1, Mariana Stefan2
1National Institute of Materials Physics, Atomistilor Str. 405A, Magurele, 077125, Romania.
Scientific Reports
|May 5, 2019
Summary
Controlling dopant distribution in semiconductor nanocrystals like manganese-doped zinc oxide (ZnO) is difficult. Slight synthesis changes can alter manganese ion location, impacting material properties for various applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Solid State Chemistry
Background:
- Controlled doping of semiconductor nanocrystals is crucial for tuning their properties.
- Dopant segregation at surfaces and formation of secondary phases are common challenges in nanocrystal synthesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the dopant distribution dynamics in manganese-doped zinc oxide (ZnO) nanocrystals.
- To understand the formation and transformation of secondary phases during synthesis and annealing.
Main Methods:
- Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy was used to analyze dopant distribution.
- Co-precipitation synthesis method was employed with variations in solution acidification and synthesis temperature.
- Isochronal annealing was performed to study phase transformations.
Main Results:
- Acidification of the precursor solution led to Mn2+ accumulation in minority phases, with up to 79% localized in a zinc hydroxynitrate (ZHN) shell.
- Lower synthesis temperatures resulted in polycrystalline Mn-doped ZHN.
- Annealing up to 250°C decomposed ZHN into ZnO, altering Mn2+ distribution from uniform to surface-preferential.
Conclusions:
- Synthesis conditions significantly influence dopant distribution in ZnO nanocrystals.
- A strategy for tailoring dopant distribution in ZnO nanocrystals was demonstrated.
- Understanding dopant segregation and phase transformation is key for designing functional nanomaterials.
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