Photoluminescence of Sol-Gel Synthesized ZnO Nanostructures

Abstract

Zinc oxide nanostructures have potentially interesting optical properties, which make them candidates for use in applications within the area of optoelectronics; their synthesis can be carried out through low-cost methods, such as sol gel, among many others. In addition, depending on the synthesis method, its shape and size, ZnO nanostructures can present emissions in the ultraviolet (UV) and visible region. By doping with elements such as carbon, silver, copper or some rare earth, for example, erbium, terbium or neodymium, the optical properties of ZnO can be adjusted and controlled to be able to be applied in the production of biosensors, photodetectors and even sensors of white light. In this research work, a review is presented on the nature of the optical transition mechanisms that occur in the ZnO nanostructures synthesized by the sol-gel method.