Comparison of average crystallite size by X-ray peak broadening and Williamson–Hall and size–strain plots for VO2+ doped ZnS/CdS composite nanopowder

Abstract

The paper deals with the exhaustive study and analysis of VO2+ ions doped ZnS/CdS composite nanopowder with the help of X-ray peak profile analysis (XPPA). The investigation has been carried out by applying a distinct pattern of Williamson–Hall (W–H) approach viz., uniform deformation model, the uniform stress deformation model and uniform deformation energy density model, and size strain plot (SSP). Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscope and energy dispersive spectra (EDS) and transmission electron microscope (TEM) techniques. The XRD study is high manipulated order and fundamental focus is on phase identification, with some analysis on advanced concepts such as crystallite size and lattice strain have been estimated using the modified form of the W–H methods. XRD pattern confirmed that the structure of the sample belongs to the cubic system. The variation of lattice constant (a) with dopant is assigned to Vegard’s law. The root means square strain was identified from the interionic separation and lattice strain assumed on W–H models. FT-IR spectrum exhibited characteristic vibrational modes of Zn and Cd ions along with other bands. EDS analysis gives information about the elemental composition in the present sample. The shape of VO2+ ions doped ZnS/CdS composite nanopowder was spherical in TEM images. The result showed that there was a good agreement in the particle size obtained from the W–H method and the SSP method with TEM images.