Tuning of band gap energy of semiconducting Zn-Cu nanoferrite by varying ions (Cu +2, Zn+2) concentration

Abstract

UV-visible absorption spectra of Zn-Cu nanoferrite (ZnxCu1-xFe2O4) synthesized via exploding wire technique (EWT) was analyzed to characterize the optical properties. It was established in our published paper that prepared Zn-Cu nanoferrite (ZCFO) had direct band gap (Eg). With further investigation, we have established that Eg of semiconducting ZCFO decreased from 3. 2 to 3.0 eV with increase in Zinc concentration due to increase in the particle size. The crystalline composition was found to be of a cubic spinel-type structure through X-ray analysis. An average crystallite size on prepared was in the range of 1.8 to 12.5 nm. The broad band emission spectra in visible region was observed due to size variation. The optical absorption of the nanoferrite sample showed blue shift due to size confinement. So, it got well established that energy level separation was pronounced in nanoferrite as compared to its bulk counterpart. The prepared nanoferrite could be used as material for electronic devices where tuning of band gap was required.UV-visible absorption spectra of Zn-Cu nanoferrite (ZnxCu1-xFe2O4) synthesized via exploding wire technique (EWT) was analyzed to characterize the optical properties. It was established in our published paper that prepared Zn-Cu nanoferrite (ZCFO) had direct band gap (Eg). With further investigation, we have established that Eg of semiconducting ZCFO decreased from 3. 2 to 3.0 eV with increase in Zinc concentration due to increase in the particle size. The crystalline composition was found to be of a cubic spinel-type structure through X-ray analysis. An average crystallite size on prepared was in the range of 1.8 to 12.5 nm. The broad band emission spectra in visible region was observed due to size variation. The optical absorption of the nanoferrite sample showed blue shift due to size confinement. So, it got well established that energy level separation was pronounced in nanoferrite as compared to its bulk counterpart. The prepared nanoferrite could be used as material for electronic devices where tuni...