Synthesis and characteristics of single-crystal Ni-doped ZnO nanorods prepared by a microwave irradiation method

Abstract

Straight single-crystal Ni-doped zinc oxide (ZnO:Ni) nanorods are prepared in large quantities via microwave irradiation by using zinc acetate and polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) as precursors. The nanocrystals of the ZnO:Ni with hexagonal wurtzite structure are characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), and UV-Vis absorption techniques. Highly straight ZnO:Ni nanorods with 8-10 nm diameter and 35-45 nm length are produced. The X-ray diffraction, transmission electron micrograph and magnetization hysteresis loops of nickel-doped ZnO nanocrystals were presented to confirm that the nickel impurities are embedded inside the nanocrystal. Comparison of the amount of ZnO:Ni nanorods prepared in the presence or absence of PVP reveals that the PVP plays an important role in preparing large quantities of ZnO:Ni nanorods. © 2011 The Surface Science Society of Japan.