Luminescent properties of low-dimensional ZnO:Ag powders obtained by chemical deposition from aqueous solution

Abstract

Photoluminescence (PL) spectra of ZnO:Ag highly dispersed powders obtained by chemical deposition from aqueous solution are investigated in the wavelength range between 360 and 750 nm at room temperature under excitation between 250 and 350 nm. Before starting the synthesis, the Ag dopant was introduced into the initial solution in the form of AgNO3 silver nitrate in the amount of 12, 102, and 252 mg. The PL spectra consist of an ultraviolet emission (380 nm) attributed to AgZn acceptor-bound exciton, a short-wavelength violet emission (400 – 450 nm) and a wide long-wavelength yellow-orange emission (560 – 600 nm). With decreasing excitation energy, the violet emission decreases in intensity, while the yellow-orange emission increases. This is caused by the phenomenon of self-absorption of the short-wavelength emission and energy transmission to the centers of the long-wavelength emission. A rapid decrease in intensity of all the PL bands is found for the sample with maximum Ag concentration. This fact is due to the appearance of the second phase in the form of silver oxide and, consequently, a decrease in the concentration of AgZn point defects responsible for the bands.