Effect of Co(2+) and Ni(2+)-doped zinc borate nano crystalline powders by co-precipitation method.

A simple co-precipitation method has been used for the synthesis of Co(2+) and Ni(2+)-doped zinc borate nanopowders. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), UV/Vis absorption, Scanning electron microscope (SEM) with EDS and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopies techniques has been employed for their characterization. Powder X-ray diffraction data reveals that the crystal structure belongs to monoclinic for both as-prepared samples. SEM images showed surface morphology of the prepared samples. Optical absorption spectra showed the characteristic bands of doped ions in octahedral site symmetry. From the optical absorption data crystal field and inter-electronic repulsion parameters are evaluated. The FT-IR spectra showed the characteristic vibrational bands related to ZnO, BO3 and BO4 molecules. Photoluminescence spectra exhibited the emission bands in ultraviolet and blue regions.