The oxidation state of Fe dopants in ZnO nanostructures or bulk powders is reported as a mixture of both 2+ and 3+ in the majority of experimental studies. We utilize the codoping method to control the oxidation state of Fe dopants via the introduction of Al dopants. Several novel features are observed including the disappearance of the characteristic electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) signatures of Fe3+ upon activation of Al3+ donor defects in the ZnO lattice and the appearance of localized surface plasmon feature, indicating excess free carriers in Al and Fe codoped ZnO nanocrystals and confirming the substitutional Al3+ doping. These spectral changes suggest that Al3+ doping results in a reduction of Fe3+ dopants to the EPR-silent Fe2+ dopants that are stable under ambient conditions. These colloidal nanocrystals provide a potential building block for manipulating the magneto-optical properties and plasmon responses in colloidal nanocrystals and higher-order nanostructures.

Air-stable n-type Fe-doped ZnO colloidal nanocrystals

Macromolecular Chemistry: The Second Century

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ACS Spring 2020 National Meeting & Expo

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.