Investigation on Nano-Sized ZnO Powder Doped with Al<sup>3+</sup> Prepared by Sol-Gel Method

Abstract

Al3+-doped ZnO nano-powder was prepared by sol-gel process, using tin tetrachloride and titanium tetrachloride as starting materials. The crystallinity and purity of the powder were analyzed by X-ray diffraction spectrometer (XRD). And the size and distribution of Al3+-doped ZnO grains were studied using transmission electron microscope (TEM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The results showed that the Al3+ was successfully doped into the crystal lattice of tin oxide and that the electric conductivity of Al3+-doped ZnO sample was improved significantly.