Paper Titles
New Brickwall Structure of Monolayer Diatomic SnC
p.1
Substitutional, Interchange and Stone-Wales Defects in Monolayer Hexagonal Boron Nitride: A Density Functional Theory
p.7
Influence of Blue Light Intensity on the Tannic Acid-Assisted Synthesis of Silver Nanowire
p.15
Structure-Property Tuning in ZnO Aerogels: Optical and Photoluminescence Modulation by Low-Level Yttrium Doping
p.21
Revealing the Multifunctionality of Phytochemically Synthesized (Cu-La) Co-Doped Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles
p.35
Influence of Ag and Au Doping Ratio on TiO2 Nanostructures Synthesized by the Solvothermal Method
p.57
Nanomaterial-Polymer Composites for High-Temperature Fluid Loss Reduction in Water-Based Drilling Fluids
p.75
Morphological and Electrochemical Properties of Zirconium Phosphate Functionalised PAN, PVA and PVP as Potential Fillers for Fuel Cell Membranes
p.83
Binder- Free Supercapacitor Electrode Based on Spray Pyrolyzed Tin Dioxide Doped with Samarium (Sm-SnO2)
p.97

Structure-Property Tuning in ZnO Aerogels: Optical and Photoluminescence Modulation by Low-Level Yttrium Doping

Article Preview

Abstract:

Yttrium-doped ZnO aerogel nanostructures with low Y concentrations (0.5 and 1 at.%) were synthesized through a modified sol–gel process coupled with supercritical isopropanol drying, yielding highly porous and crystalline materials. Structural and optical characteristics were investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Utraviolet–Visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopy, and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. XRD results confirmed the formation of single-phase polycrystalline ZnO with a hexagonal wurtzite structure for all samples, along with lattice perturbations consistent with the substitution of Zn2+ by Y3+ ions. FTIR spectra further supported successful ZnO network formation, revealing a systematic shift of the Zn–O stretching band toward lower wavenumbers upon Y incorporation. UV–Vis measurements showed that yttrium doping enhances optical absorbance and induces a slight redshift of the absorption edge, indicating a modest narrowing of the band gap. PL analysis demonstrated a remarkable enhancement in UV and visible emission for the ZnO:Y (0.5 at.%) sample, which exhibited the highest overall PL intensity across the investigated spectral range. This enhancement is attributed to an increased radiative recombination rate of photogenerated carriers and the formation of additional defect-related states introduced by low-level Y doping. These findings highlight the strong potential of yttrium-modified ZnO aerogels for tunable optical and photonic applications.

You might also be interested in these eBooks
Journal of Nano Research Vol. 92 View Preview

Info:

Periodical:

Journal of Nano Research (Volume 92)

Pages:

21-34

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.4028/p-yGX7U8

Citation:

Cite this paper

Online since:

March 2026

Authors:

Sebti Khodja, Mohamed Atoui, Djamel Djouadi, Azeddine Chelouche, Tahar Touam*

Keywords:

Optical Properties, Photoluminescence Enhancement, Sol-Gel Synthesis, Yttrium Doping, ZnO Aerogels

Export:

RIS, BibTeX

Price:

Permissions CCC:

Request Permissions

Permissions PLS:

Request Permissions

Сopyright:

© 2026 Trans Tech Publications Ltd. All Rights Reserved

Share:

Citation:

* - Corresponding Author

References

[1] Y.P. Gao, C.N. Sisk, L.J. Hope-Weeks, A sol–gel route to synthesize monolithic zinc oxide aerogels, Chem. Mater. 19 (2007) 6007-6011.

DOI: 10.1021/cm0718419

Google Scholar

[2] M. Meddouri, D. Djouadi, A. Chelouche, T. Touam, A. Chergui, Effect of co-solvent on structural and morphological properties of ZnO aerogel prepared by a modified sol–gel process, Eur. Phys. J. Appl. Phys. 66 (2014) 10402.

DOI: 10.1051/epjap/2014140061

Google Scholar

[3] K.N. Mukai, J.C. Bernardes, D. Müller, C.R. Rambo, Rectifying ZnO–Na/ZnO–Al aerogels p–n homojunctions, J. Mater. Sci.: Mater. Electron. 33 (2022) 7738–7749.

DOI: 10.1007/s10854-022-07925-3

Google Scholar

[4] W. Wan, Y. Li, S. Bai, X. Yang, M. Chi, Y. Shi, C. Liu, P. Zhang, Three-dimensional porous ZnO-supported carbon aerogels for photocatalysis, sustainability 15 (2023) 13088.

DOI: 10.3390/su151713088

Google Scholar

[5] A. Samuel, A. Abdullah, G. Xavier, S. Stephen, M. M. Zeidan, D. Choi, S. Abedrabbo, Sol–gel synthesis and characterization of ZnO–SiO2 nanocomposites: a comparative study with pure ZnO and SiO2, Nanoscale Adv. 7 (2025) 7145-7155.

DOI: 10.1039/d5na00612k

Google Scholar

[6] A.N. Kumar, M. Balakrishna, U. Desai, R. Rakshith, K.M. Ambika, P. Soumya, C.R. Ravikumar, S.S. Vadivu, N. Naik, Solution combustion synthesis of ZnO doped CuO nanocomposite for photocatalytic and sensor applications, Sci. Rep. 15 (2025) 338.

DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-82764-2

Google Scholar

[7] O.P. Konuk, A.A.A.M. Alsuhile, H. Yousefzadeh, Z. Ulker, S.E. Bozbağ, C.A. García‐González, I. Smirnova, C. Erkey, The effect of synthesis conditions and process parameters on aerogel properties, Front. Chem. 11 (2023) 1294520.

DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2023.1294520

Google Scholar

[8] G.A. Spiering, G.F. Godshall, R.B. Moore, Effect of the gel drying method on properties of semicrystalline aerogels prepared with different network morphologies, Gels 11 (2025), 447.

DOI: 10.3390/gels11060447

Google Scholar

[9] D.R. Vaddi, K. Vinukonda, R.K. Patnala, Y. Kanithi, T.R. Gurugubelli, J. Bae, R. Koutavarapu, D.-Y. Lee, J. Shim, Effect of yttrium doping on the crystal structure, optical, and photocatalytic properties of hydrothermally synthesized ZnO nanorods, Mater. Sci. Eng. B 296 (2023) 116664.

DOI: 10.1016/j.mseb.2023.116664

Google Scholar

[10] P. Dhiman, G. Rana, A. Kumar, E.A. Dawi, G. Sharma, Rare-earth doped ZnO nanoparticles as spintronics and photocatalyst for degradation of pollutants, Molecules 28 (2023) 2838.

DOI: 10.3390/molecules28062838

Google Scholar

[11] M.M. Zeidan, L.A. Mahfouz, K.H. Al-Muhtaseb, R.M. Othman, Enhancing photoluminescence spectra for doped ZnO using ion implantation/irradiation techniques, ACS Omega 8 (2023) 16722–16728.

DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c00218

Google Scholar

[12] M.K. Kavitha, K.B. Jinesh, R. Philip, P. Gopinath, H. John, Defect engineering in ZnO nanocones for visible photoconductivity and nonlinear absorption, Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys. 16 (2014) 25093-25100.

DOI: 10.1039/c4cp03847a

Google Scholar

[13] A. Ullah, I.U. Khan, M. Aljohani, S.T. Ali, Effect of yttrium on the structural, dielectric, and magnetic properties of Co-doped ZnO magnetic nanorods, J. Mater. Sci.: Mater. Electron. 34 (2023) 1252.

DOI: 10.1007/s10854-023-10664-8

Google Scholar

[14] A. Kumawat, K.P. Misra, S. Chattopadhyay, Band gap engineering and relationship with luminescence in rare-earth elements doped ZnO: An overview. Mater. Tech. 37 (2022) 1595-1610.

DOI: 10.1080/10667857.2022.2082351

Google Scholar

[15] L. Hrytsak, B. Turko, V. Vasil'ev, Y. Eliyashevskyy, A. Kostruba, A. Hrytsak, Effect of yttrium doping on the photocatalytic and optical behavior of ZnO thin films, Phys. Chem. Solid State 24 (2023) 422-428.

DOI: 10.15330/pcss.24.3.422-428

Google Scholar

[16] S. Kumar, J. Pandey, R. Tripathi, S.R. Chauhan, Photoluminescence investigations and band gap engineering in environment friendly ZnO nanorods: Enhanced water treatment application and defect mode, ACS Omega 8 (2023) 27732-27742.

DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c03860

Google Scholar

[17] I. Markevich, T. Stara, L. Khomenkova, V. Malyshenko, Photoluminescence engineering in polycrystalline ZnO and ZnO-based compounds, AIMS Mater. Sci. 3 (2016) 508-524.

DOI: 10.3934/matersci.2016.2.508

Google Scholar

[18] S. Sood, P. Kumar, I. Raina, M. Misra, S. Kaushal, J. Gaur, S. Kumar, G. Singh, Enhancing optoelectronic performance through rare-earth-doped ZnO: Insights and applications, Photonics 12 (2025) 454.

DOI: 10.3390/photonics12050454

Google Scholar

[19] N. Üzar, U. Abdulaziz, O.G. Erbas, M. Aydin, M.F. Dolgun, Enhancement of structural, optical, electrical, optoelectronic and thermoelectric properties of ZnO thin film via Ni doping and Ni-B co-doping, Phys. Scr. 99 (2024) 075995.

DOI: 10.1088/1402-4896/ad5873

Google Scholar

[20] J. Khumphon, R. Ahmed, T. Imboon, J. Giri, N. Chattham, F. Mohammad, S. Kityakarn, V. M. Gowri, S. Thongmee, Boosting photocatalytic activity in dual doped ZnO for dye degradation under visible light, ACS Omega 10 (2025) 9337-9350.

DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.4c10034

Google Scholar

[21] P. Peechmani, S.N.N.M. Makhtar, S. Mansur, M.H.D. Othman, R. Kamaludin, M.H. Puteh, K.Y. Wong, T.A. Kurniawan, M.A. Rahman, J. Jaafar, A.F. Ismail, Uncovering the potential of yttrium doped zinc oxide nanoparticles as an efficient catalyst for photodegradation of recalcitrant pollutant and a contributor antibacterial property, J. Water Proc. Engineering 58 (2024) 104706.

DOI: 10.1016/j.jwpe.2023.104706

Google Scholar

[22] M. Isik, T. Yildirim, N.M. Gasanly, Thermoluminescence behavior of yttrium-doped ZnO nanoparticles synthesized by sol–gel method, Luminescence 40 (2025) e70199.

DOI: 10.1002/bio.70199

Google Scholar

[23] S.K. Sharma, D.S. Pamidimarri, D.Y. Kim, J.-G. Na, Y-doped zinc oxide (YZO) nanoflowers, microstructural analysis and test their antibacterial activity, Mater. Sci. Eng. C 53 (2015) 104-110.

DOI: 10.1016/j.msec.2015.04.007

Google Scholar

[24] T. Rungsawang, S. Sujinnapram, S. Nilphai, S. Wongrerkdee, Influence of yttrium doping on ZnO nanoparticles for enhanced photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue, Dig. J. Nanomater. Bios.16 (2021) 1209-1217.

DOI: 10.3390/toxics11010033

Google Scholar

[25] M. Meddouri, L. Hammiche, O. Slimi, D. Djouadi, A. Chelouche, Effect of cerium on structural and optical properties of ZnO aerogel synthesized in supercritical methanol, Mater. Sci. Pol. 34 (2016) 659-664.

DOI: 10.1515/msp-2016-0082

Google Scholar

[26] C.S. Barrett, T.B. Massalski, Structure of Metals: Crystallographic Methods, Principles and Data, third ed., Pergamon Press, Oxford–New York, 1980.

Google Scholar

[27] J.I. Langford, A. Wilson, Scherrer after sixty years: A survey and some new results in the determination of crystallite size, J. Appl. Crystallogr. 11 (1978) 102-113.

DOI: 10.1107/s0021889878012844

Google Scholar

[28] D. Djouadi, M. Meddouri, A. Chelouche, Structural and optical characterizations of ZnO aerogel nanopowder synthesized from zinc acetate ethanolic solution, Opt. Mater. 37 (2014) 567-571.

DOI: 10.1016/j.optmat.2014.07.023

Google Scholar

[29] V. Adimule, M. Revaigh, H. Adarsha, Synthesis and fabrication of y-doped ZnO nanoparticles and their application as a gas sensor for the detection of ammonia, J. Mater. Eng. Perform. 29 (2020) 4586-4596.

DOI: 10.1007/s11665-020-04979-4

Google Scholar

[30] O. Bazta, A. Urbieta, J. Piqueras, P. Fernández, M. Addou, J. Calvino, A. Hungría, Influence of yttrium doping on the structural, morphological and optical properties of nanostructured ZnO thin films grown by spray pyrolysis, Ceram. Inter. 45 (2019) 6842-6852.

DOI: 10.1016/j.ceramint.2018.12.178

Google Scholar

[31] I. Ben Elkamel, N. Hamdaoui, A. Mezni, R. Ajjel, L. Beji, Synthesis and characterization of Cu doped ZnO nanoparticles for stable and fast response UV photodetector at low noise current, J. Mater. Sci.: Mater. Electron. 30 (2019) 9444-9454.

DOI: 10.1007/s10854-019-01276-2

Google Scholar

[32] F. Berrekhis, Y. Roques, L. Aries, M. Hajjaji, Electrodeposition of casein coatings on zinc alloy, Prog. Org. Coat. 31 (1997) 341-345.

DOI: 10.1016/s0300-9440(97)00092-1

Google Scholar

[33] S.J.K Vethanathan, R. Aboorvakani, K.U. Madhu, Yttrium doped ZnO nanofillers reinforced epoxy coating for anticorrosion application, Inorg. Chem. Commun. 144 (2022) 109929.

DOI: 10.1016/j.inoche.2022.109929

Google Scholar

[34] F. Mouzaia, D. Djouadi, A. Chelouche, L. Hammiche, T. Touam, Particularities of pure and Al-doped ZnO nanostructures aerogels elaborated in supercritical isopropanol, Arab. J. Basic Appl. Sci. 27 (2020) 423-430.

DOI: 10.1080/25765299.2020.1833484

Google Scholar

[35] C.-Y. Kung, S.-L. Young, H.-Z. Chen, M.-C. Kao, L. Horng, Y.-T. Shih, C.-C. Lin, T.-T. Lin, C.-J. Ou, Influence of Y-doped induced defects on the optical and magnetic properties of ZnO nanorod arrays prepared by low-temperature hydrothermal process, Nanoscale Res. Lett. 7 (2012) 1-6.

DOI: 10.1186/1556-276x-7-372

Google Scholar

[36] T.M. Hammad, J.K. Salem, R.G. Harrison, Synthesis, characterization, and optical properties of Y-doped ZnO nanoparticles, Nano 4 (2009) 225-232.

DOI: 10.1142/s1793292009001691

Google Scholar

[37] M. Shatalov, A. Musin, M. Zinigrad, S. Rubtsov, A. Kosenko, V. Danchuk, Impact of ultralow yttrium concentration on formation, morphology and optical properties of DC magnetron co-sputtered yttrium-doped ZnO films, Appl. Surf. Sci. Adv. 6 (2021) 100127.

DOI: 10.1016/j.apsadv.2021.100127

Google Scholar