Structural, optical and other spectral studies of transition metal Ti4+-doped Zn-Cd oxide nanomaterials

Titanium (Ti4+)-doped nanoparticles of the type Zn0.94Cd0.06-xTixO [x = 0.0; 0.03] are reported in this study. The samples were synthesized by citric acid assisted sol{gel auto combustion (SGAC) method. The samples are characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman, Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), Energy dispersive analysis of X-rays (EDAX) and Fourier transform infra-red (FTIR) techniques for structural studies. Further, for optical properties, UV-Vis technique has been used. In addition, samples were studied for dielectric properties. Room-temperature XRD data study reveals the sample formation with wurtzite hexagonal structure exhibiting space group P6(3)mc also confirmed from Rietveld refinement of XRD data. Raman spectra displays characteristic active phonon modes in pristine Zn0.94Cd0.06O and doped Zn0.94Cd0.03Ti0.03O. UV-Vis diffused reflectance spectroscopy analysis infer bandgap values of 3.14 and 3.12 eV for Zn0.94Cd0.06O and Zn0.94Cd0.03Ti0.03O, respectively. The dielectric studies confirmed high dielectric constant for Zn0.94Cd0.03Ti0.03O compared to pristine Zn0.94Cd0.06O. A non-Debye character with spread of relaxation times was witnessed from impedance study.