Synthesis of Gd2O3/Sm2O3 nanocomposite via sonication and hydrothermal methods and its optical properties

Gadolinium oxide-samarium oxide (Gd2O3/Sm2O3) nanocomposite was synthesized via sonication and hydrothermal methods. The sample was characterized by using thermogravimetric analysis and Fourier transformation infrared spectroscopy. The average crystalline size was calculated by Scherrer equation, Wood-Tauc relation using X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscope. The size was found to be in a range of 15-30 nm. The morphological study was carried out with scanning electron microscope. Optical properties were investigated by solid phase and UV-visible absorption spectrophotometer. The band gap energy of the Gadolinium oxide was shifted from 53 eV to 23 eV. The change in band gap indicates red shift in nanocomposite. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.