Microstructural, optical and electrical properties of Cr-doped ZnO

Undoped and Cr-doped ZnO polycrystalline samples were synthesized chemically. Optical measurements confirmed the presence of Cr in the ZnO lattice. Microstructural studies of bulk samples revealed a network of petal-like structures found to be unique to Cr-doped samples. Elemental mapping of these samples revealed uniform distribution of Cr and Zn atoms. Cr doping was seen to suppress the recombination radiation near 385 nm and increase the stability of ZnO films in O2 atmosphere. © 2008 Acta Materialia Inc.