ZnO was synthesised by the sol–gel method using zinc nitrate as the precursor. ZnO was doped with Al. Stress in the lattice was evident from the XRD peak shifts. A higher concentration of Al+3 showed a reverse strain effect also causing a reverse effect in the optical properties. An increase in crystallite size due to increased Al+3 was observed. A variation in absorption intensity based on the defect energy levels was observed. A difference in energy of the emission and absorption spectra resulting from defects in the material and non-radiative decay was seen. A change in the band gap was observed with changes in different dopant concentrations. These findings are useful for photocatalytic as well as antibacterial and anticancer treatments.
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