Facile green approach for the synthesis of ZnO Superstructures: Their structural and photometric properties

Abstract Herein, we report the synthesis of ZnO superstructures (SS) by ultrasound route using Aloe vera (A.V) gel as bio-fuel. Various reaction parameters namely effect of fuel, pH, sonication time and power have been studied in detail. The structural properties were characterized by means of Powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) etc., and further, photometric measurements were done by Commission International De I’Eclairage (CIE), Correlated colour temperature (CCT). The PXRD results confirmed the hexagonal phase of the ZnO. The FTIR spectrum shows strong absorption peak at 445 cm -1 , along with two broad peaks. The broad peaks at 3748 cm -1 and 1218 cm -1 were due to the stretching of hydroxyl group of H 2 O molecules. The energy band gap estimated from DRS spectra was found to be in the range of 3.02-3.09 eV. The PL emission spectrum was recorded in the range of 450 – 700 nm upon the excitation at wavelength of 397 nm. From CIE it was observed that the product shows intense yellow emission and CCT was found to be 3171K. All the above results were fruitful in making use of the ZnO SS as a yellow component in light emitting diodes.