Synthesis, characterization and ESR studies of Zn_1-x Co _x O nanoparticles

Zn_1-x Co _x O polycrystalline nanoparticles with different (x=0.03, 0.05, 0.1, 0.15, 0.2, 0.25, and 0.3) compositions were synthesized using the sol-gel technique. The effects of doping ratio and annealing temperature on structure and magnetic properties were investigated systematically. The phase, crystal structure, and microstructure of the Zn _1-x Co _x O nanoparticles were characterized using X-Ray diffraction and scanning electron microscope. Electron spin resonance spectra of Zn_1-x Co _x O nanoparticles were collected at room temperature on a Bruker EMX model X-band spectrometer operating at a frequency of 9.50 GHz.