Abstract
In this study, undoped ZnO and rod-like Co-doped ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) were successfully synthesized via one step polyol method. In this paper, Zn(NO3)(2 center dot)6H(2)O was used as a precursor and Co(NO3)(2 center dot)6H(2)O was the dopant. The morphology, structure, crystalline size and optical properties of the undoped and Co doped ZnO were measured in detail. The incorporation of the Co2+ in ZnO matrix was confirmed by DRX, ICP and EDX. Optical characterization of the sample revealed that the band gap energy (Eg) decreased from 3.36 to 3.25 eV with an increase in Co2+ doping concentration. The photocatalytic activity of the synthesized nanoparticles (NPs) was studied with respect to pure and Co-doped ZnO concentrations (0-10% Co). The improvement of photocatalytic activity has been noticed with the increase of Co concentration in ZnO nanoparticles.