Investigations of Microstructure and Dc Conductivity of V2O5‐Nd2O3 Glass Nanocomposites

Abstract

AbstractThe present work points to highlight the structural, optical and electrical properties of some semiconducting V2O5‐Nd2O3 glass nanocomposites. Structural properties such as identification of nano phases in the glassy matrix and crystallite sizes have been evaluated using X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR) and Raman spectroscopy have been used to find out nature of bonding in the as‐synthesized glass nanocomposites. Optical properties have been analyzed using Ultraviolet‐visible (UV‐Vis) absorption spectroscopy and we have studied Dc electrical conductivity at various temperatures. The crystallite sizes of V2O5 and NdVO4 embedded in the present glassy systems are found to increase with V2O5 content. Stretching vibration of νs (VO4), Nd–O bond, V–O bond, orthorhombic phase of V2O5 are present in the present system. The small‐polaron hopping theory could adequately explain the temperature dependence of the electrical Dc conductivity. It is observed that the fundamental absorption edge and cutoff wavelength shift towards red with the increase of V2O5 content. The fundamental UV‐Vis absorption spectra have been analyzed, which indicates indirect band transitions. It is also observed that optical band gap energy decreases with increase in concentration of V2O5 due to structural changes.