Managing the micro-structure and properties of Sm-ZnO thin films by tuning the contents of Sm

Abstract

The microstructural variations in zinc oxide (ZnO) nanostructures are probed caused by the incorporation of RE metal ion Sm3+ in replacement of Zn2+. Sm-doped ZnO nanostructures with Sm concentration of 6–10 wt % is synthesized via a simple sol gel-dip coating synthetic technique. The current research looks into the physical, surface morphology, dielectric, optical, and magnetic properties of Samarium doped ZnO nanostructures. Structural and morphological investigations are primarily carried out using XRD and SEM techniques. The data from XRD identified the synthesized Sm doped ZnO nanostructures crystallize in a wurtzite hexagonal structure. The Sm dopant is incorporated into the Zn matrix. After adding Sm in ZnO, a slight variation in crystallite size is noticed. The estimates of the optical energy band gap based on optical transmittance measurements show that the band gap is widened. The variation in dielectric properties of Sm-ZnO is assumed to be the result of the increase in Sm doping %. The various functional groups that appeared in the prepared nanostructures are identified using FTIR. These prepared nanostructures are highly recommended for sensing applications as well as for optoelectronic devices.