Photoluminescence and Raman Scattering in Ag-doped ZnO Nanoparticles

Effects of Ag doping on the crystallinity and optical properties of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles have been studied by x-ray diffraction, diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, micro-Raman, and photoluminescence spectroscopy. It has been observed that while Ag-doping at low concentration improves the optoelectronic properties of ZnO nanostructures, Ag-doping at high concentrations drastically modify the emission behavior and lattice vibrational characteristics of the nanostructures. High Ag content in ZnO nanostructures causes lattice deformation, induces silent vibrational modes in Raman spectra, and reduces excitonic UV emission due to concentration quenching.