Raman spectroscopy of compositional fluctuations in spinel Zn2TiO4 nanostructures

Spinel Zn₂TiO₄ nanostructures were obtained by the thermal oxidation method. Raman spectroscopy was used to investigate the local compositions of the cubic spinel Zn₂TiO₄ nanostructures. The Raman mode intensities of the spinel structure are present and correlate linearly with the TiO₂ concentration. These modes are interpreted as local vibrational modes. In addition, the analysis of the E₂(H) and A_1g modes are made and discussed in terms of lattice deformation associated with the distinct coordination preferences of Zn and Ti.