Co-substitution driven electronic structure modifications in Zn1−xCoxO

Abstract

We report, the studies on the electronic structure and valence band modifications in sol–gel grown Zn1−xCoxO (x=0, 0.5 and 0.15) samples, obtained using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) measurements. Structural studies confirm the single phasic hexagonal wurtzite structure having space group P63mc. XPS measurements of Co 2p core level indicate that, Co-ions are in +2 state in ZnO. Using valence band spectroscopy (VBS) and resonant photoemission spectroscopy (RPES) measurements, modifications in the electronic structure of Co-doped ZnO have been understood in the context of increment in the occupation of Co-3d states with Co-content which extends the VB maxima edge.