Silver-doped ZnO nanorods (Ag-ZNRs): preparation and characterization

In this study, ZnO nanorods (ZNRs) were synthesized via the hydrothermal method and doped with silver (Ag). The structural, morphological, and optical properties of pure and Ag-doped ZNRs were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. XRD confirmed the hexagonal wurtzite structure of the Ag-doped ZNRs, while FE-SEM revealed high-aspect-ratio nanorod morphology. UV-Vis analysis showed a reduction in the direct band gap with increasing Ag doping concentration. PL spectra exhibited enhanced emission intensity upon Ag doping, suggesting modified recombination dynamics, potentially due to suppressed non-radiative pathways or increased radiative transitions. These findings indicate that Ag-doped ZNRs hold promise for optoelectronic applications, including light-emitting devices.