Influence of Mg doping on the structural,optical, and electrical properties of Zn0.95Li0.05O Nanoparticles

This study investigates the effect of Li and Mg codoping on the structural, optical, and electrical properties of the ZnO. Zn_0.95−xLi_0.05Mg_xO (x = 0.00, 0.01, 0.02, 0.03) nanoparticles are synthesized by hydrothermal method. X-ray diffraction (XRD) results confirmed that all samples are polycrystalline with a hexagonal-wurtzite structure. The surface morphology of the samples were examined by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The SEM analysis showed that all samples exhibit cheese-like plates and the plate sizes increase with Mg addition. Optical properties were examined by UV-VIS diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. The optical measurements indicate that the reflectance edge of the samples have red shift up to 2% Mg doping level, but blue-shift for 3% Mg doping. The optical band gap of Zn_0.95−xLi_0.05Mg_xO nanostructures are calculated as 3.227, 3.214, 3.209, and 3.221 eV with x = 0.00, 0.01, 0.02, 0.03 respectively. Electrical properties including the carrier concentration, Hall mobility, and resistivity were studied using Van-der Pauw method. The temperature resistivity curves of the samples shown typical semiconductor behavior. The carrier concentration decreases with increasing doping level up to 2% Mg, and it slightly increases for 3% Mg. The variation of the Hall mobility for the samples is inversely proportional to the carrier concentration.     

Investigation of optical,structural, FTIR and magnetic properties of Sn substituted Zn0.98Mn0.02O nanoparticles

Zn_0.98Mn_0.02O and Zn_0.98−xMn_0.02Sn_xO (x=2% and 4%) nanoparticles have been successfully synthesized via sol–gel method. X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed the hexagonal wurtzite structure of the samples and also successful Sn doping without any secondary phases. The microstructure of ZnMnO was significantly altered where the morphology was turned from mixed plate-like structure to spherical like structure by Sn substitution which was confirmed by electron microscope images. The energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis confirmed the presence of Sn and Mn in Zn–O nanoparticles. The observed narrowing of energy gap (red shift) from 3.85 eV (Sn=0%) to 3.66 eV (Sn=4%) was discussed based on size effect and generation of free carrier concentrations. The improved optical properties of Sn–Zn–Mn–O evidenced for developing opto-electronic devices with better conversion efficiency. The shift of lattice mode (position) around 527–548 cm⁻¹ and the change in shape of the band demonstrated the presence of Sn in Zn–Mn–O. The decrease of UV emission intensity and increase of defect related blue and green emissions indicated the possible generation of white light sources and display devices. The superior magnetic property of Sn doped Zn_0.98Mn_0.02O was explained by the intrinsic exchange interaction between Zn/Mn/Sn ions through the defects induced by Sn.     

Analysis of structural,optical and magnetic properties of Fe/Co co-doped ZnO nanocrystals

In this paper, the structural, optical and magnetic properties of pure ZnO and Fe/Co co-doped ZnO nanoparticles are presented. Rietveld refinement of XRD pattern revealed the single phase wurtzite structure for prepared samples. FTIR study confirmed the formation of tetrahedral coordination between zinc and oxygen ions. SEM and TEM techniques were used to examine the morphology of samples. The absorption spectra showed the decrease in optical energy band gap with Fe/Co co-doping in ZnO. PL spectra demonstrated five peaks correspond to the ultraviolet region, violet, violet-blue, blue-green and green in the visible region. Emission peak in the UV region is attributed to near band-edge excitonic emission. Other four emission peaks in PL spectra are related to different defect states. M-H curve showed room temperature ferromagnetic (RTFM) behaviour of doped ZnO sample. This paper enhances the understanding of structural, optical and magnetic properties of Fe/Co co-doped ZnO nanocrystals for application in spintronics, solar cells, and ceramics.     

NaV2O5 nanoplates: Hydrothermal synthesis,characterization and study of their optical and electrochemical properties

Plate-like nanocrystalline NaV₂O₅ has been synthesized hydrothermally via a simple and elegant route. The morphology, the structure, the crystallinity and the composition of the samples were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, nitrogen adsorption/desorption isotherms and photoluminescence. Electrochemical measurements have revealed reversible redox behavior with doping/dedoping process corresponding to reversible cation intercalation/deintercalation into the crystal lattice of the nanoplates. This process is easier in propylene carbonate than in aqueous solvent and is easier for the small Li⁺ cation than larger ones K⁺. This is attributed to probable presence of two different tunnel cavities in the NaV₂O₅ lattice.     

One-step solution synthesis and formation mechanism of flower-like ZnO and its structural and optical characterization

The regular hierarchical flower-like ZnO nanostructures assembled by nanosheets were successfully synthesized by one-step solution route with citrate assistance at room temperature. It was demonstrated that the concentration of citrate and the molar ratio of Zn²⁺/OH⁻ had strong effect on the formation of nanosheets and self-assembly flower-like nanostructures. A reasonable formation mechanism of the flower-like nanostructures was proposed. According to UV–vis spectrum, the flower-like ZnO nanostructures exhibited strong light absorption, and the value of band gap of the obtained ZnO was estimated to be 3.26 eV. Moreover, the room-temperature photoluminescence (PL) spectrum of the sample presented only a near-band edge emission at 382 nm.     

The electronic structure and optical properties of Mn and B,C, N co-doped MoS2 monolayers

The electronic structure and optical properties of Mn and B, C, N co-doped molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂) monolayers have been investigated through first-principles calculations. It is shown that the MoS₂ monolayer reflects magnetism with a magnetic moment of 0.87 μB when co-doped with Mn-C. However, the systems co-doped with Mn-B and Mn-N atoms exhibit semiconducting behavior and their energy bandgaps are 1.03 and 0.81 eV, respectively. The bandgaps of the co-doped systems are smaller than those of the corresponding pristine forms, due to effective charge compensation between Mn and B (N) atoms. The optical properties of Mn-B (C, N) co-doped systems all reflect the redshift phenomenon. The absorption edge of the pure molybdenum disulfide monolayer is 0.8 eV, while the absorption edges of the Mn-B, Mn-C, and Mn-N co-doped systems become 0.45, 0.5, and 0 eV, respectively. As a potential material, MoS₂ is widely used in many fields such as the production of optoelectronic devices, military devices, and civil devices.     

Environmental blue CoAl2O4 pigment co-doped by Zn2+ and Mg2+: synthesis,structure and optical properties

ABSTRACT

Nano-sized blue solid solutions Zn_xMg_0.5?xCo_0.5Al₂O₄ (x?=?0–0.5) have been synthesised by the Pechini method. Single-phase Zn_xMg_0.5?xCo_0.5Al₂O₄ with crystallite size of ～40?nm was identified by XRD measurement. The TG-DSC results indicated that the phase formation temperature of Zn_xMg_0.5?xCo_0.5Al₂O₄ increased with the substitution of Zn²⁺/Mg²⁺?→?Co²⁺ proceeding. The UV–vis spectra illustrated that the Zn_0.3Mg_0.2Co_0.5Al₂O₄ pigment displayed the most intensive blue colour with the strongest absorbance appearing within the visible region. The FT-IR spectra suggested that the inversion degree of Zn_xMg_0.5?xCo_0.5Al₂O₄ pigment reduces with the increase of Zn²⁺ rather than Mg²⁺, enabling to control the pigment colour by tuning the Zn²⁺ content. The FE-SEM images showed an irregular shaped morphology of Zn_xMg_0.5?xCo_0.5Al₂O₄ crystal, different from the cubic-like morphology of CoAl₂O₄ crystal. The XPS results illustrated that the inversion of pure CoAl₂O₄ pigment is larger than that of Zn_0.3Mg_0.2Co_0.5Al₂O₄. Both Zn_0.2Mg_0.3Co_0.5Al₂O₄ and Zn_0.3Mg_0.2Co_0.5Al₂O₄ show commercial potential in pigments application.     

Structural,optical and electrical properties of low temperature grown undoped and (Al,Ga) co-doped ZnO thin films by spray pyrolysis

Aluminum and gallium co-doped ZnO (AGZO) thin films were grown by simple, flexible and cost-effective spray pyrolysis method on glass substrates at a temperature of 230 °C. Effects of equal co-doping with aluminum (Al) and gallium (Ga) on structural, optical and electrical properties were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV–vis–NIR spectrophotometry and Current–Voltage (I–V) measurements, respectively. XRD patterns showed a successful growth with high quality polycrystalline films on glass substrates. The predominant orientation of the films is (002) at dopant concentrations ≤2 at% and (101) at higher dopant concentrations. Incorporation of Al and Ga to the ZnO crystal structure decreased the crystallite size and increased residual stress of the thin films. All films were highly transparent in the visible region with average transmittance of 80%. Increasing doping concentrations increased the optical band gap, from 3.12 to 3.30 eV. A blue shift of the optical band gap was observed from 400 nm to 380 nm with increase in equal co-doping. Co-doping improved the electrical conductivity of ZnO thin films. It has been found from the electrical measurements that films with dopant concentration of 2 at% have lowest resistivity of 1.621×10⁻⁴ Ω cm.     

Effects of Ni doping on structural,optical and dielectric properties of ZnO

Structural, optical and dielectric properties of Ni doped ZnO samples prepared by the solid state route are presented. X-ray diffraction confirmed the substitution of Ni on Zn sites without changing the hexagonal structure of ZnO. NiO phase appeared for 6% Ni doping. Fourier transform infrared measurements were carried out to study phonon modes in Ni doped ZnO. Significant blueshift with Ni doping was observed in UV–visible studies, strongly supported by photoluminescence spectra that show a high intensity UV emission peak followed by the low intensity green emission band corresponding to oxygen vacancies and defects. The photoluminescence analysis suggest that doping of Ni can affect defects and oxygen vacancies in ZnO and give the possibility of band gap tuning for applications in optoelectronic devices. High values of dielectric constant at low frequency and a strong dielectric anomaly around 320 °C were observed.     

Effect of Gd doping on structural,optical properties,photoluminescence and electrical characteristics of CdS nanoparticles for optoelectronics

Synthesis of pure and 0.1 to 5?wt.% Gd-doped CdS nanoparticles (NPs) was achieved through a modified domestic microwave-assisted route in a short timespan at 700?W power. The formation of hexagonal CdS NPs was verified via X-ray diffraction analysis, and no structural variation was observed except for lattice variation. The size of the crystallites (D), dislocation concentration, and lattice strain were calculated, and the D was in the range of 3–6?nm. Fourier transform-Raman analysis confirmed the presence of 1LO, 2LO, and 3LO modes at 294.76, 590, and 890?cm^?1, respectively, in all the synthesized nanostructures, with minute variations in their positions due to doping; however, no new mode was observed. The position of the vibration modes was red shifted compared to that of the bulk material, indicating a confinement effect. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) mapping/energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy revealed homogeneous doping of Gd and the presence of all the constituents in the final products. The morphology of the synthesized materials was tested via field-emission SEM, which revealed spherical NPs with small dimensions. Additionally, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy was performed to visualize the shape and size of the prepared 0.1% Gd:CdS NPs. The energy gap was calculated using the Kubelka–Munk theory and found to be in the range of 2.31–2.41?eV. The photoluminescence emission spectra exhibited two green emission peaks at 516?±?2?nm and 555?±?2?nm and showed the reduction of defects with Gd doping in terms of intensity quenching. The dielectric constant (${\epsilon }^{\text{'}}$), loss, and alternating-current electrical properties were studied in the high-frequency range. The values of ${\epsilon }^{\text{'}}$ were in the range of 17–27. An enhancement of these values was observed for CdS when it was doped with Gd. The electrical conductivity exhibited frequency power law behavior.     

Influence of Mg concentration on structural,morphological and optical properties of nanoceria

Nano crystalline pure and Mg doped ceriaparticles were synthesized by simple chemical co-precipitation method using cerium nitrate hexahydrate as a source material and magnesium nitrate as doping precursor at room temperature. The effect of doping were investigated by X-ray diffraction pattern(XRD), FT-Raman,fourier transform infrared spectroscopy(FTIR), Ultraviolet spectroscopy(UV), photoluminescence spectroscopy(PL), field emission scanning electron microscope(FESEM) and high resolution transmission electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy (HRTEM &EDS). The X-ray diffraction pattern and FT-Raman studies showed that the prepared samples were nano particulates with cubic fluorite structure. The XRD pattern analysis showed that the size of the particles ranged from 13 to 20?nm, however 4?wt% Mg doping results in reduction of particle size compared with other doping concentrations. The effects of Mg concentration on various structural parameters of the prepared samples were also determined. The slight blue shift observed upon doping in UV–Vis absorption region around 330–360nmrecorded for reduction in particle size. The FTIR unveils the presence of Metal oxygen bonds below 700?cm^?1in the prepared samples. All samples showed a broad emission band at 430?nm with linearly increasing intensity with respect to dopant concentrations. The Spherical morphology with weak agglomeration was identified through FESEM and HRTEM analysis. The elemental analysis of Ce, O and Mg were confirmed through EDS analysis.     

Effect of Mg doping on magnetic,and dielectric properties of NiCr2O4 nanoparticles

The structural, magnetic, and dielectric properties of spinel Magnesium (Mg) doped Nickel chromite (NiCr₂O₄) nanoparticles (NPs) have been studied in detail. The X-ray powder diffraction exhibited normal spinel phase formation of Mg_xNi_1-xCr₂O₄ (x = 0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, and 1) NPs with a maximum average crystallite size of about 44 nm for x = 0.2 composition. The FTIR spectra of these NPs revealed the characteristic Ni–O and Mg–O and Cr–O bands around 639 cm^?1 and 497 cm^?1, respectively which confirmed the spinel structure. Temperature-dependent zero field cooled and field cooled graphs of NiCr₂O₄ NPs showed phase changes from ferrimagnetic to paramagnetic state at 86 K, while MgCr₂O₄ NPs showed antiferromagnetic (AFM) transition at Neel temperature (T_N) at 15 K due to corner-sharing of Cr³⁺ ions at a tetrahedral lattice site resulting in a highly magnetic frustrated structure. The field dependent magnetization (M ? H) loops of Mg_xNi_1-xCr₂O₄ NPs confirmed the competing AFM interactions and ferrimagnetic interactions resulting in a sharp decreased saturation magnetization with Mg doping. Dielectric constant, dielectric loss, and ac conductivity of these NPs showed size-dependent variation and depicted maximum value at x = 0.2 Mg concentration. In summary, the magnetic and dielectric properties of Mg doped NiCr₂O₄ NPs were modified by variations in the average crystallite size and magnetic exchange interactions, which may be suitable for different technological applications.     

Hydrothermal synthesis,magnetic properties and characterization of CoFe2O4 nanocrystals

Magnetic cobalt ferrite (CoFe₂O₄) nanocrystals were synthesized via the hydrothermal method and the crystallite size was measured using Sherrer's equation. Instrumental broadening was a significant parameter for determining crystallite size. The effect of annealing time and calcination on crystallite size and magnetic properties was discussed. It was found that the coercivity was highly dependent on the crystallite size. As the crystallite size increased from 61 to 68.2 nm, room temperature coercivity increased from 1488 Oe to 1700 Oe, while high coercivity (5.2 kOe) was achieved at lower temperature (80 K). It was found that the presence of hematite could affect the crystallite size after calcination.     

Structural,magnetic and optical properties of Ce substituted BiFeO3 nanoparticles

Ce substituted Bi_1−xCe_xFeO₃ (x=0.03, 0.05, 0.07 and 0.10) nanoparticles were prepared by a tartaric acid based sol–gel route. X-ray diffraction patterns and Raman spectra revealed a structural phase transition from rhombohedral to orthorhombic phase for x=0.10 sample. Room temperature magnetic measurements showed weak ferromagnetic ordering and enhancement in magnetization with increasing Ce concentration. The improved magnetic properties due to the breaking of spin cycloid with Ce substitution have been observed from electron spin resonance (ESR) study. The measured g-values for all samples are greater than 2 and the ESR lines shift towards higher g-value with increasing Ce concentration, indicating ferromagnetic nature of these samples. UV–visible diffuse reflectance spectra showed a sharp absorption in the visible region with two d–d and three charge transfer (C-T) transitions. Prominent red shift in the band gap indicates a significant change in the band structure of the doped nanoparticles.     

Hydrothermal synthesis of well-stable silver nanoparticles and their application for enzymeless hydrogen peroxide detection

We reported on a facile hydrothermal synthesis of well-stable silver nanopartiles (AgNPs) from an aqueous solution of AgNO₃ and poly[(2-ethyldimethylammonioethyl methacrylate ethyl sulfate)-co-(1-vinylpyrrolidone)] (PQ11), a kind of cationic polyelectrolyte, at 100 °C without the extra introduction of other reducing agents and protective agents. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observation reveals that the AgNPs thus formed mainly consist of small nanoparticles about 5 nm in diameter. It is found that such dispersion can form stable AgNPs-embedded films on bare electrode surfaces and these nanoparticles exhibit remarkable catalytic performance for hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) detection. The sensor has a fast amperometric response time of less than 2 s. The linear range is estimated to be from 1 × 10⁻⁴ M to 0.18 M (r = 0.998) and the detection limit is estimated to be 3.39 × 10⁻⁵ M at a signal-to-noise ratio of 3, respectively.     

Comparative investigation on the structural,morphological, optical,and magnetic properties of CoFe2O4 nanoparticles

Herein, we report a sustainable production of magnetic cobalt ferrite nanoparticles by conventional (CHM) and microwave heating (MHM) method. Hibiscus rosa-sinensis extract was used as both reducing and stabilizing agent. Using plant extracts to synthesize nanoparticles has been considered as an eco-friendly method, since it avoids noxious chemicals. The plethora of plant extract mediated nanoparticles were compared by techniques, such as XRD, Rietveld, FT-IR, SEM, EDX, UV-Visible DRS, PL and VSM were carried out to analyze and understand their crystallite size, functional groups, morphology, optical and magnetic properties. The crystalline structure of cobalt ferrite nanoparticles revealed the cubic structure and the microwave heating of nanoparticles showed smaller crystallite size compared to the conventional heating, which was then confirmed by XRD analysis. To analyze the presence of functional groups and the phytochemical involvement of the plant extract was confirmed by FT-IR studies. Spherical morphology with less than 100 nm sized particles was confirmed by SEM and EDX analysis confirm the existence of Co, O, and Fe elements present in the samples. UV-Visible DRS studies were carried out to calculate the band gap of the as-synthesized nanoparticles, estimated from the Kubelka-Munk function, as 2.06, and 1.87 eV for CHM and MHM, respectively. Photoluminescence emission spectrum of the nanoparticles showed two different bands at 494 and 620 nm, which explores the optical properties of the nanoparticles, due to the quantum confinement effect. VSM analysis showed better ferromagnetic behavior, which can be used for magnetic applications.     

Effects of aluminium doping on structural and photoluminescence properties of ZnO nanoparticles

Structural and optical properties of Al doped ZnO nanoparticles prepared by the thermal decomposition method are presented. X-ray diffraction studies confirmed the substitution of Al on Zn sites without changing the hexagonal structure of ZnO. Also, lattice parameters, the crystallite size and other physical parameters such as strain, stress and energy density were calculated from various modified forms of W–H equation and their variation with the doping of Al is discussed. A blue shift in the energy band gap attributed to increase in carrier concentration (Burstein Moss Effect) is observed by absorption spectra. Photoluminescence studies show a strong and dominant peak corresponding to the near band edge emission in ultraviolet range and a broad band in the range 420–520 nm corresponding to defects and oxygen vacancies. Phonon modes were studied by FTIR measurements. The tunability of the band gap of ZnO nanoparticles could eventually be useful for potential optoelectronic applications.     

Effect of Ni2+ substitution on structural,magnetic, dielectric and optical properties of mixed spinel CoFe2O4 nanoparticles

Nanoparticles of Co_1−xNi_xFe₂O₄ with x=0.0, 0.10, 0.20, 0.30, 0.40 and 0.50 were synthesized by co-precipitation method. The structural analysis reveals the formation of single phase cubic spinel structure with a narrow size distribution between 13–17 nm. Transmission electron microscope images are in agreement with size of nanoparticles calculated from XRD. The field emission scanning electron microscope images confirmed the presence of nano-sized grains with porous morphology. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis confirmed the presence of Fe²⁺ ions with Fe³⁺. Room temperature magnetic measurements showed the strong influence of Ni²⁺ doping on saturation magnetization and coercivity. The saturation magnetization decreases from 91 emu/gm to 44 emu/gm for x=0.0–0.50 samples. Lower magnetic moment of Ni²⁺ (2 µ_B) ions in comparison to that of Co²⁺ (3 µ_B) ions is responsible for this reduction. Similarly, overall coercivity decreased from 1010 Oe to 832 Oe for x=0.0–0.50 samples and depends on crystallite size. Cation distribution has been proposed from XRD analysis and magnetization data. Electron spin resonance spectra suggested the dominancy of superexchange interactions in Co_1−xNi_xFe₂O₄ samples. The optical analysis indicates that Co_1−xNi_xFe₂O₄ is an indirect band gap material and band gap increases with increasing Ni²⁺ concentration. Dispersion behavior with increasing frequency is observed for both dielectric constant and loss tangent. The conduction process predominantly takes place through grain boundary volume. Grain boundary resistance increases with Ni²⁺ ion concentration.     

Facile synthesis and optical properties of polymer-laced ZnO-Au hybrid nanoparticles

Bi-phase dispersible ZnO-Au hybrid nanoparticles were synthesized via one-pot non-aqueous nanoemulsion using the triblock copolymer poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(propylene glycol)-block-poly(ethylene glycol) as the surfactant. The characterization shows that the polymer-laced ZnO-Au nanoparticles are monosized and of high crystallinity and demonstrate excellent dispersibility and optical performance in both organic and aqueous medium, revealing the effects of quantum confinement and medium. The findings show two well-behaved absorption bands locating at approximately 360 nm from ZnO and between 520 and 550 nm from the surface plasmon resonance of the nanosized Au and multiple visible fingerprint photoluminescent emissions. Consequently, the wide optical absorbance and fluorescent activity in different solvents could be promising for biosensing, photocatalysis, photodegradation, and optoelectronic devices.     

Low-cost flame synthesized La2/3Cu3Ti4O12 electro-ceramic and extensive investigation on electrical,impedance, modulus,and optical properties

An environmentally-friendly synthesis route and low-cost starting materials are more appropriate for the production of ceramic materials at the industry level. With this concern we prepared the La_2/3Cu₃Ti₄O₁₂(LCTO), which is isostructural of CaCu₃Ti₄O₁₂ (CCTO), using the low-cost TiO₂ instead of a high-cost of titanium source (titanium isopropoxide or titanium chloride) using a low-cost wet-chemical route. Although, there are lots of synthetic methods reported for LCTO fabrication in terms of duration, cheap reagents, energy consumption, feasibility, etc. The present method is far better than the others. The prepared ceramic samples were sintered at 1050 ^°C/12 h and studied their structural, morphology and impedance, and modulus studies for further confirmation. The prepared LCTO ceramic shows the pure phase with the cubic type of morphology. The homogenous distribution of all the elements was observed through dispersive X-ray analysis. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy studies revels that La is in +3 oxidation state, Cu is in a +2 oxidation state, and Ti is multiple (+3 and + 4) oxidation state. The LCTO ceramic displayed the very high dielectric constant (∼3852) and dielectric loss (0.322), at 1 kHz and at room temperature. Calculated the activation energy using the impedance and modulus data and it shows the superior to that of CCTO ceramic synthesized by the same method. The prepared samples exhibited Debye-type relaxation, which is evoked from the impedance and modulus studies. The calculated optical energy bandgap of LCTO (2.06 eV) is found to be lesser than that of the well-known structure of perovskites (BaTiO₃ (3.28 eV), PbTiO₃ (3.18 eV), LiNbO₃ (3.78 eV) and BiFeO₃ (2.67 eV) as well as structure of spinel CoCr₂O₄ (3.10 eV) and LuFe₂O₄ (2.18 eV)) materials.