Modifying Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles: The Role of Cobalt Doping on Structural and Mechanical Behavior

In the present study, a series of pure and cobalt-doped zinc oxide nanoparticle samples with different concentrations (15, 25, 35, and 45%) of cobalt were successfully synthesized using sol–gel auto-combustion method followed by annealing at 800°C. The crystal structure was characterized using an X-ray diffractometer, revealing that all synthesized samples had hexagonal wurtzite structure. The lattice constants (a and c), crystallite sizes (D), unit cell volume (V), and microstrain (ε) were reported. The Williamson–Hall plot and size–strain plot were also employed to understand the structural and mechanical attributes of the synthesized samples.