Cu2+ Doped PVA Passivated ZnSe Nanoparticles-Preparation, Characterization and Properties

Cu²⁺ doped ZnSe nanoparticles are prepared by simple chemical method at room temperature with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as the passivating agent. The prepared sample is characterized by using X-ray diffraction, optical, photoluminescence, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and FT-IR techniques. The average crystallite size is calculated from X-ray diffraction pattern and it is about 8 nm. The presence of the paramagnetic Cu²⁺ species in ZnSe is identified by optical and EPR measurements. The site symmetry for Cu²⁺ is ascribed as tetragonally distorted octahedral site symmetry. Crystal field, spin-Hamiltonian and bonding parameters are evaluated. Room temperature photoluminescence spectrum of Cu²⁺ doped ZnSe exhibits emission peaks at 343, 353 and 411 nm which corresponds to UV region at the excitation wavelength of 310 nm. FT-IR spectrum indicates the presence of various functional groups of PVA in ZnSe nanoparticles. Different physical parameters are also evaluated for the prepared sample.