Synthesis and characterization of cobalt-strontium co-doped zinc oxide nanoparticles by chemical precipitation

[Display omitted] •The co-precipitation method prepares pure and Co-Sr co-doped nanoparticles with different doping ratios.•XRD result confirms that the wurtzite geometry of pure ZnO could not be altered by the dopants Co and Sr.•Formation of cubical nanoparticles and the crystallite size decreases with doping.•Doping of Sr into the ZnCoO matrix reduces the PL intensity. This study presents a meticulous investigation into the synthesis and characterization of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles co-doped with cobalt (Co) and strontium (Sr) using the co-precipitation method. Varied doping ratios were employed to create Zn1-(x+y)CoxSryO nanoparticles to synergize the advantageous properties of Co and Sr dopants. Comprehensive characterization was performed, encompassing X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV–VIS spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX). Contrary to prior assumptions, our XRD analysis revealed that the wurtzite crystal structure of ZnO remained unaltered with Co and Sr doping. FESEM and EDAX characterized the nanoparticle size, morphology, and composition, providing essential insights into the structural changes induced by the doping process. Furthermore, a red shift in the bandgap was observed upon doping, suggesting potential alterations in the optical properties. Our study aims to contribute to the ongoing exploration of ZnO-based nanomaterials by presenting a detailed analysis of the structural and optical modifications by Co-Sr co-doping. The findings offer valuable insights for further understanding nanoscale modifications and their potential applications in optoelectronics, photovoltaics, and photocatalytic systems. Our comprehensive analysis enriches the understanding of the synthesized nanoparticles and their potential applications.