Synthesis and Characterization of Co-Doped ZnO Nanocompound

Zn
_1-x
Co
_x
O (x=5%) nanopowders were prepared by using the autocombustion technique, and the structural, optical and magnetic properties were investigated. X-ray diffraction measurements show that the synthesized samples have a wurtzite structure. The formation of the wurtzite structure in Co doped ZnO nanoparticles was further confirmed by Fourier transform infra-red spectrometry. Optical absorption spectra show that the band energy of Zn
_0.95
Co
_0.05
O powders is about 2.42 eV at room temperature. Magnetic data obtained from as grown powders indicate the presence of antiferromagnetic interactions between particles.