Nitridation of metal salen-derived ZnGa₂O₄ particles using a solid nitrogen source

Abstract

Zinc gallium oxynitride, (Ga_1-xZn_x)(N_1-xO_x), was synthesized by the reaction of zinc gallium oxynitride, ZnGa₂O₄, with a solid nitrogen source of Li₃N at 823 K. A thermolysis of the mixture of gallium salen and zinc acetate produced ZnGa₂O₄ particles with a 2D morphology. The optimization of zinc and gallium ratio was examined in synthesizing ZnGa₂O₄. After nitridation, zinc gallium oxynitride with a cauliflower-like morphology was produced as a major product for zinc-rich precursor, whereas LiGaO₂ and GaN were the major products for zinc-poor precursor.