Tuning the Optical Properties of ZnO Nanorods Through Gd Doping

Optoelectronic features of Zn1-xGdxO (x = 0.01, 0.03 and 0.05) nanorods were explored through a series of optical characterizations. The presence of different functional groups and vibrational modes in the samples were observed through Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) and Raman characterizations, respectively. The characteristic stretching vibrational modes of Zn–O and Gd-Zn–O were probed through FTIR. The peaks appeared in the Raman spectra are associated with the characteristics of ZnO samples. The bandgap of the ZnO sample decreased from 3.19 to 3.16 eV with increasing Gd doping concentration as evident from UV–Visible spectroscopy. Photoluminescence measurement showed the signature of intrinsic defects and the colour emission of the samples shifted more towards the green emission region with Gd doping concentration. Our study demonstrates the possible usefulness of the materials in commercial UV lighting applications.