Abstract:
The nanocrystalline ZnO:Fe semiconductor oxides were successfully synthesized via the sol–gel
calcination method. Structural, optical and electrical properties of the investigated samples were
characterized by various techniques such as atomic force microscopy (AFM), UV–vis absorption and
electrical transport measurements. The optical band gap for undoped ZnO (3.19 eV) decreases (2.75 eV)
with increasing Fe-doped ZnO (20%). The temperature dependences of the electrical conductivities of
undoped ZnO and Fe-doped ZnO were measured and analyzed by Arrhenius equation. The electrical
conductivity of the samples decreases with the increase of Fe doping ratio; hence, the electrical
conductivity mechanism is controlled by thermally activated processes. To support the nanostructure
of Fe-doped ZnO, AFM micrographs were performed.
