Effect of Mn doping on the structural, magnetic, optical and electrical properties of ZrO2–SnO2 thin films prepared by sol–gel method

Abstract

Manganese doped ZrO2–SnO2 (ZrO2–SnO2: Mn) nanocomposite thin films were prepared using sol – gel dip coating technique. The structural, morphological, magnetic, optical and electrical properties of the films were studied for undoped and different (15 mol %) manganese doping concentrations. X-ray diffraction pattern (XRD) of films showed the formation of tetragonal phase of SnO2 and orthorhombic ZrSnO4. Decrease in crystallinity with increase of Mn concentration was observed for the films. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed the formation of grain growth with an increase in Mn concentration. X-ray photo electron spectroscopy (XPS) confirmed the presence of Zr4+, Sn4+ and Mn2+ ion in ZrO2–SnO2: Mn films. Vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) measurements reveal the presence of magnetic properties in Mn doped nanocomposite thin films. Antiferromagnetic interactions were observed for 5 mol % Mn doping. An average transmittance >80% (UV - Vis region) was observed for all the films. Band gap of the films decreased from 4.78 to 4.41 eV with increase in Mn concentration. Photoluminescence (PL) spectra of the films exhibited emission peaks in visible region of the electromagnetic spectra. Conductivity of the film increased up to 3 mol % Mn doping and then decreased.