Optical, Microstructure, and Electromagnetic Properties of (1 − x)ZnO − xCuO Powders Prepared Using Two-Stage Sintering and Direct Synthesis

In this study, CuO, ZnO, and (1 − x)ZnO − xCuO (CZO) powders were synthesized through the aqueous solution method. Sintering (separate) and direct synthesis were conducted at 500°C and 700°C, respectively, to produce CuO, ZnO, and CZO powders in different proportions. Various proportions of (1 − x)ZnO−xCuO (x = 0.33, 0.5, 0.67) powders were analyzed and compared under various temperature and process conditions. The morphology, phase structure, and photoelectromagnetic properties of CZO were analyzed to determine the influence of ZnO, CuO, and their mutual doping on the photoelectromagnetic properties. The results revealed that direct synthesis was the most effective process and that CZO powder exhibited the best electromagnetic properties when the Cu doping ratio was high—when Cu:Zn was close to 1:1. When Cu was doped excessively (x = 0.67), it resulted in the formation of the cuprous oxide phase, which is detrimental to the electrical and magnetic properties of CZO powder.