Effect of Nd on structural and optical properties of Nd doped ZnO nanoparticles

Polyvinylpyrrolidone capped ZnO and Nd (0.5 and 1 at.%) ZnO nanoparticles have been prepared by chemical co-precipitation method in aqueous media. The as-prepared nanoparticles were subjected to compositional, structural, morphological and photoluminescence studies. EDS confirmed the presence of Nd element in ZnO nanoparticles. X-ray diffraction patterns and TEM studies established that pristine and Nd doped ZnO nanoparticles exhibited wurtzite crystal structure. The average particle size obtained from the XRD and TEM were in good agreement with each other. Photoluminescence studies on Nd doping amplify the defect related emission.