Effects of Ag and Co Doping on the Structural and Optical Characteristics of ZnO Nanoparticles

Pure and Ag, Co-doped ZnO nanoparticles were synthesized using a chemical co-precipitation method without capping agents. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed that all synthesized ZnO powders retained a pure hexagonal wurtzite structure, with no significant structural alterations due to Ag and Co doping. Energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) confirmed the presence of Ag and Co dopants within the ZnO matrix. Photoluminescence (PL) spectra exhibited a light blue emission, indicative of the optical properties of the doped ZnO nanoparticles. The study demonstrates that while Ag and Co doping does not alter the fundamental crystal structure of ZnO, it does influence its optical characteristics, with potential implications for various applications in optoelectronics and sensing technologies.