Doping Elements Research Articles

Challenges and Modification Strategies on High-Voltage Layered Oxide Cathode for Sodium-Ion Batteries.

Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) have attracted great attention due to their advantages on resource abundance, cost and safety. Layered oxide cathodes (LOCs) of SIBs possess high theoretical capacity, facile synthesis and low cost, and are promising candidates for large scale energy storage application. Increasing operating voltage is an effective strategy to achieve higher specific capacity and also high energy density of SIBs. However, at high operating voltages, LOCs will undergo a series of phase transitions in bulk phase, leading to huge change of volume and layer spacings accompanied by severe lattice stress and cracking formation. Degeneration of surface also occurs between LOCs and electrolytes, resulting in sustained growth of cathode electrolyte interphase (CEI) and release of O2 and CO2. These induce structural destruction and electrochemical performance degradation in high voltage regions. Recently, many strategies have been proposed to improve electrochemical performance of LOCs under high voltages, including bulk element doping, structural design, surface coating and gradient doping. This review describes pivotal challenges and occurrence mechanisms at high voltages, and summarizes strategies to improve stability of bulk and surface. Viewpoints will be provided to promote development of high energy density SIBs.

P-type doped AlxGa1-xAs nanowire photocathode: A theoretical perspective on structural and optoelectronic properties

In this work, the effect of p-type doping on the structural, electronic, and optical properties of AlxGa1-xAs nanowires are investigated by first-principles calculations. Different doping elements (Be, Mg, Zn), doping methods (interstitial and substitution doping) and doping concentration are considered. The calculations of formation energy suggest that the structural stability of p-type AlxGa1-xAs nanowires is gradually weaken as the rise of doping concentration and Al composition. Besides, the difficulty of forming substitution doping for different doping elements obeys the following order: Be<Mg<Zn. In addition, the substitution doping atom tends to replace Ga atom rather than Al atom to form substitution doping structure. After substitution doping, all energy bands shift to higher energy region due to the orbital hybridization of electronic states induced by impurity atom and nanowire atoms. Moreover, the substitution doping leads to the Fermi level entering into the valence band, resulting in obviously p-type conductivity. The p-type modulation doping is indeed effective in the axial type AlxGa1-xAs nanowires with p-type carrier concentration varying between 1.85×1020 cm-3 and 4.42×1020 cm-3, and the conductivity will be further enhanced with increasing substitution doping concentration or Al composition. Finally, the optical absorption of AlxGa1-xAs nanowire photocathodes can be effectively enhanced through BeGa doping. Our findings not only present a comprehensive understanding of p-type doping mechanism of AlxGa1-xAs nanowires, but also provide a theoretical basis for preparing AlxGa1-xAs nanowire based photoelectric devices with p-type properties.

Promoting Charge-Carriers Dynamics by Relaxed Lattice Strain in A-site-doped Halide Perovskite for Photocatalytic H2 Evolution.

Because of the unique and superior optoelectronic properties, metal halide perovskites (MHPs) have attracted great interests in photocatalysis. Element doping strategy is adopted to modify perovskite materials to improve their photocatalytic performance. However, the contribution of bare doping-site onto photocatalytic efficiency, and the correlation between doping locations and activity have not yet to be demonstrated. Thispromoted us to explore the potential of A-site-doped MHPs for photocatalysis. Herein, we dope potassium (K+) into CsPbBr3 and first reveal that the occupied locations of K+ in CsPbBr3 is lattice incorporation rather than surface segregation, which would change from A-site substitution to interstitial site in lattice with the increase of K+ concentrations. Taking H2 evolution as a model reaction, photocatalytic activity of CsPbBr3 after K+ doping could be significantly improved ~11-fold with A-site substitution, which is superior to that of interstitial site doping. Moreover, other alkali metals including Li, Na, and Rb doping give the same results. The structure of photocatalysts during reaction confirmed the contribution of A-site doping onto enhanced photocatalytic activity. Mechanistic insights show it is a result of the relaxed residual lattice strain induced promoted charge-carriers dynamics and formed upward shifting of band after K+ A-site doping.

Promoting Charge‐Carriers Dynamics by Relaxed Lattice Strain in A‐site‐doped Halide Perovskite for Photocatalytic H2 Evolution

Because of the unique and superior optoelectronic properties, metal halide perovskites (MHPs) have attracted great interests in photocatalysis. Element doping strategy is adopted to modify perovskite materials to improve their photocatalytic performance. However, the contribution of bare doping‐site onto photocatalytic efficiency, and the correlation between doping locations and activity have not yet to be demonstrated. This promoted us to explore the potential of A‐site‐doped MHPs for photocatalysis. Herein, we dope potassium (K+) into CsPbBr3 and first reveal that the occupied locations of K+ in CsPbBr3 is lattice incorporation rather than surface segregation, which would change from A‐site substitution to interstitial site in lattice with the increase of K+ concentrations. Taking H2 evolution as a model reaction, photocatalytic activity of CsPbBr3 after K+ doping could be significantly improved ~11‐fold with A‐site substitution, which is superior to that of interstitial site doping. Moreover, other alkali metals including Li, Na, and Rb doping give the same results. The structure of photocatalysts during reaction confirmed the contribution of A‐site doping onto enhanced photocatalytic activity. Mechanistic insights show it is a result of the relaxed residual lattice strain induced promoted charge‐carriers dynamics and formed upward shifting of band after K+ A‐site doping.

Improving the Cycle Stability of LiNiO2 through Al3+ Doping and LiAlO2 Coating.

In this study, we addressed the poor cycling and rate performance of LiNiO2, a material with ultrahigh nickel content considered a strong contender for high-energy-density lithium-ion battery cathodes. We introduced nano-Al2O3 during the lithiation process to achieve dual modified material through bulk phase element doping and in situ LiAlO2 coating. Comparison revealed notable improvements in the modified materials. In particular, LiNi0.99Al0.01O2 maintained a capacity retention rate of 73.1% after 300 cycles in a long-cycle test at 0.5C current density, outperforming the undoped material. In rate performance tests, the doped samples consistently exhibited higher discharge-specific capacities than that of the undoped counterpart. Notably, at a high current density of 5C, LiNi0.99Al0.01O2 exhibited a discharge-specific capacity of 101.75 mAh g-1. The results indicate that an appropriate amount of Al doping can effectively stabilize the layered structure of the cathode material and delay the irreversible phase transition from H2 to H3. Further, Al doping facilitates the formation of a LiAlO2 coating on the surface of the particles. This coating acts as a fast-ion conductor, enhancing the transport of lithium ions and reducing the erosion of the active material by the electrolyte.

Mitigating the Kinetic Hysteresis of Co-Free Ni-Rich Cathodes via Gradient Penetration of Nonmagnetic Silicon.

Co-free Ni-rich layered oxides are considered a promising cathode material for next-generation Li-ion batteries due to their cost-effectiveness and high capacity. However, they still suffer from the practical challenges of low discharge capacity and poor rate capability due to the hysteresis of Li-ion diffusion kinetics. Herein, based on the regulation of the lattice magnetic frustration, the Li/Ni intermixing defects as the primary origin of kinetic hysteresis are radically addressed via the doping of the nonmagnetic Si element. Meanwhile, by adopting gradient penetration doping, a robust Si-O surface structure with reversible lattice oxygen evolution and low lattice strain is constructed on Co-free Ni-rich cathodes to suppress the formation of surface dense barrier layer. With the remarkably enhanced Li-ion diffusion kinetics in atomic and electrode particle scales, the as-obtained cathodes (LiNixMn1-xSi0.01O2, 0.6≤x≤0.9) achieve superior performance in discharge capacity, rate capability, and durability. This work highlights the coupling effect of magnetic structure and interfacial chemicals on Li-ion transport properties, and the concept will inspire more researchers to conduct an intensive study.

Recent research progress on Li29Zr9Nb3O40-based solid electrolytes for lithium batteries

All-solid-state batteries have become a research hotspot because of their high specific capacity and safety. Solid-state electrolytes are the key material of all-solid-state lithium-ion batteries, and their properties directly affect the overall performance of lithium-ion batteries. So far, many inorganic solid electrolytes have been reported, such as NASICON, LISICON, perovskite, and garnet-type solid electrolyte. However, some lithium-rich rock salt-structured electrolytes, such as Li2ZrO3, LiNbO4, and Li6Zr2O7, have been underappreciated in the field of solid-state electrolytes due to their lower ionic conductivity at room temperature. While investigating solid solution formation, Li6Zr[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]Nb[Formula: see text]O[Formula: see text][Formula: see text][Formula: see text], a new phase known as Li[Formula: see text]Zr9Nb3O[Formula: see text] with a rock-salt structure was discovered. After decades, it was not until a team prepared Li[Formula: see text]Zr9Nb3O[Formula: see text] ceramics by sol-gel method, which exhibited high ionic conductivity (10[Formula: see text]–10[Formula: see text]S cm[Formula: see text]) at room temperature, that the substance showed great potential as a solid electrolyte in all-solid-state lithium-ion batteries. In this paper, the crystal structure, lithium-ion transport mechanism, preparation method, and element doping of Li[Formula: see text]Zr9Nb3O[Formula: see text] are described comprehensively based on research progress in recent years. Then, development prospects and challenges of the concrete application of Li[Formula: see text]Zr9Nb3O[Formula: see text]in all-solid-state lithium-ion batteries are also discussed.

Mitigating the Kinetic Hysteresis of Co‐Free Ni‐Rich Cathodes via Gradient Penetration of Nonmagnetic Silicon

AbstractCo‐free Ni‐rich layered oxides are considered a promising cathode material for next‐generation Li‐ion batteries due to their cost‐effectiveness and high capacity. However, they still suffer from the practical challenges of low discharge capacity and poor rate capability due to the hysteresis of Li‐ion diffusion kinetics. Herein, based on the regulation of the lattice magnetic frustration, the Li/Ni intermixing defects as the primary origin of kinetic hysteresis are radically addressed via the doping of the nonmagnetic Si element. Meanwhile, by adopting gradient penetration doping, a robust Si−O surface structure with reversible lattice oxygen evolution and low lattice strain is constructed on Co‐free Ni‐rich cathodes to suppress the formation of surface dense barrier layer. With the remarkably enhanced Li‐ion diffusion kinetics in atomic and electrode particle scales, the as‐obtained cathodes (LiNixMn1−xSi0.01O2, 0.6≤x≤0.9) achieve superior performance in discharge capacity, rate capability, and durability. This work highlights the coupling effect of magnetic structure and interfacial chemicals on Li‐ion transport properties, and the concept will inspire more researchers to conduct an intensive study.

Understanding the Role of Spin State in Cobalt Oxyhydroxides for Water Oxidation

AbstractAlthough the electronic state of catalysts is strongly corrected with their oxygen evolution reaction (OER) performances, understanding the role of spin state in dynamic electronic structure evolution during OER process is still challenging. Herein, we developed a spin state regulation strategy to boost the OER performance of CoOOH through elemental doping (CoMOOH, M=V, Cr, Mn, Co and Cu). Experimental results including magnetic characterization, in situ X‐ray absorption spectroscopy, in situ Raman and density functional theory calculations unveil that Mn doping could successfully increase the Co sites from low spin state to intermediate spin state, leading to the largest lattice distortion and smallest energy gap between dxy and dz2 orbitals among the obtained CoMOOH electrocatalysts. Benefiting from the promoted electron transfer from dxy to dz2 orbital, facilitated formation of active high‐valent *O−Co(IV) species at applied potential, and reduced energy barrier of rate‐determining step, the CoMnOOH exhibits the highest OER performance. Our work provides significant insight into the correction between dynamic electronic structure evolution and OER performance by understanding the role of spin state regulation in metal oxyhydroxides, paving a new avenue for rational design of high‐activity electrocatalysts.

Enhancing CO2 Electroreduction Precision to Ethylene and Ethanol: The Role of Additional Boron Catalytic Sites in Cu-Based Tandem Catalysts.

The electrocatalytic conversion of carbon dioxide (CO2) into valuable multicarbon (C2+) compounds offers a promising approach to mitigate CO2 emissions and harness renewable energy. However, achieving precise selectivity for specific C2+ products, such as ethylene and ethanol, remains a formidable challenge. This study shows that incorporating elemental boron (B) into copper (Cu) catalysts provides additional adsorption sites for *CO intermediates, enhancing the selectivity of desirable C2+ products. Additionally, using a nickel single-atom catalyst (Ni-SAC) as a *CO source increases local *CO concentration and reduces the hydrogen evolution reaction. In situ experiments and density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal that surface-bound boron units adsorb and convert *CO more efficiently, promoting ethylene production, while boron within the bulk phase of copper influences charge transfer, facilitating ethanol generation. In a neutral electrolyte, the bias current density for ethylene production using the B-O-Cu2@Ni-SAC0.05 hybrid catalyst exceeded 300 mA cm-2, and that for ethanol production with B-O-Cu5@Ni-SAC0.2 surpassed 250 mA cm-2. This study underscores that elemental doping in Cu-based catalysts not only alters charge and crystalline phase arrangements at Cu sites but also provides additional reduction sites for coupling reactions, enabling the efficient synthesis of distinct C2+ products.

A review of ordered PtCo3 catalyst with higher oxygen reduction reaction activity in proton exchange membrane fuel cells

This review is devoted to the potential advantages of ordered alloy catalysts in proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), specifically focusing on the development of the low Pt content, high activity, and durability ordered PtCo3 catalyst. Due to the sluggish oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) kinetics and poor durability, the overall performance of the fuel cell is affected, and its application and promotion are limited. To address this issue, researchers have explored various synthetic strategies, such as element doping, morphology adjusting, structure controlling, ordering and support/metal interaction enhancement. This article extensively discussed the Pt related ORR catalysts and follows an in-depth analysis of ordered PtCo3. The introduction briefly discusses the direction of development of fuel cell catalysts and frontier progress, including theoretical mechanism, practical preparation, and Pt-containing electrode structures, etc. The subsequent chapter focuses on the Pt-Co catalyst, the evolution process of Pt alloy to Pt-Co alloy and the improvement scheme are introduced. The next chapter describes the properties of PtCo3. Although the ordered PtCo3 catalyst has a wide range of applicability due to low cost and high activity catalyst. However, besides the common agglomeration and sintering problems of Pt-Co alloy, its commercial application still faces unique problems of oversized crystal size, phase segregation, ordering transformation and transition metal dissolution. Therefore, in Chapter 4, this overview provides some possible improvement methods for three specific functions: crystal refinement, enhancing the effect of support and active substances, and anti-dissolution.

Hybrid Density Functional Study on the p-Type Conductivity Mechanism in Intrinsic Point Defects and Group V Element-Doped 2D β-TeO2.

The newly discovered two-dimensional (2D) β-TeO2 possesses extraordinarily high p-type carrier mobility and demonstrates immense potential in the electronics field. However, current research on its p-type conductivity mechanisms and the modifications of element doping remains relatively insufficient. In this study, the intrinsic point defects and extrinsic element doping in monolayer β-TeO2 are comprehensively analyzed to probe the potential sources of the intrinsic p-type conductivity and the extrinsic p-type doping possibility in 2D β-TeO2 through hybrid density functional calculations. Our results reveal that the vacancy defects with low formation energies have deep transition levels and thus cannot be used as sources of unintentional p-type conductivity in 2D β-TeO2. The investigations and discussions via Group V element doping modifications in 2D β-TeO2 indicate that bismuth (Bi) doping can easily and significantly enhance the p-type conductivity of 2D β-TeO2 under the presence of O-rich, which can be achieved experimentally. Furthermore, Bi doping can significantly increase carrier mobility without seriously affecting the electronic structure. The finding shows that the Bi element is an ideal dopant candidate for a p-type modification in 2D β-TeO2. Our calculations pave an alternative strategy to achieve the realization of superior p-type conductivity in 2D β-TeO2.

Adjusting the Covalency of Metal-Oxygen Bonds in CuBi2O4 by Zn Cation Doping to Achieve Highly Efficient Photocathodes.

Zn doped CuBi2O4 photocathodes are prepared by using a low-cost solution-based spray pyrolysis method. The doping of Zn in CuBi2O4 promotes the separation and migration of carriers and effectively increases the carrier density. Compared with CuBi2O4 alone, the photoelectrochemical activity of the Zn doped CuBi2O4 photoelectrode is improved with the photocurrent density of -0.56 mA/cm2 at 0.4 V vs. RHE. This improvement is due to the lower electronegativity of Zn, which leads to the covalent increase of Cu-O and Bi-O bonds in CuBi2O4, which limits the recombination of photogenerated electrons and holes and improves charge separation and transport. This study presents an innovative approach to enhance the charge separation efficiencies of photocathodes by implementing element doping strategies, which may contribute to further research on photocatalytic water splitting.

Recent innovations in engineering Zinc Oxide (ZnO) nanostructures for water and wastewater treatment: Pushing the boundaries of multifunctional photocatalytic and advanced biotechnological applications

Owing to its rapid advancement in nanotechnology, latest publications (recent 5 years) related to zinc oxide (ZnO) in various aspects and applications have been reviewed. Trend has shifted to the innovation of pristine ZnO nanostructures functionalized with elemental dopants and heterojunction to improve the photoactivities on micropollutant degradation and heavy metals removal as well as the antibacterial effect towards microorganisms. The fundamentals of improved photoactivities (i.e., low recombination rate of charge carrier and effective charge transfer) and enhanced antibacterial properties (i.e., dissolution of ions and generation of reactive oxygen species) are accentuated. Subsequently, a detailed examination is undertaken to elucidate the key impacts of ZnO on actual wastewater treatment systems. This review concludes with a consolidated overview on the recent advances of ZnO for environmental wastewater decontamination and the future prospects on tailoring ZnO based on their photocatalytic and antibacterial properties to match various expectations from practical applications while minimising the adverse impacts on surrounding environment.

First-principles study on the failure and doping strengthening mechanisms at the interface of high-alumina ferritic heat-resistant steel/oxide film

This study employs first-principles calculations based on density functional theory to explore the failure mechanisms and enhancement strategies for the interface between high-aluminum ferritic heat-resistant steel and oxide film (α-Fe/Al₂O₃ interface). Establishing an interface model at the lowest-energy densely packed plane and performing tensile tests determined that fracture behavior manifests as ductile fracture at the interface. Further analysis of the charge density and differential charge density maps for various doped models confirmed the feasibility of strengthening the α-Fe/Al₂O₃ interface structure through alloy element doping. The results demonstrate that effective dopant elements (such as V, Mn, and Mo) can induce more electrons to transfer to the interface, increase electron concentration, and alter the chemical bonding nature of the interface, thereby significantly enhancing its bonding performance. This study proposes a method to enhance the interface of high-aluminum ferritic heat-resistant steel through doping, providing a theoretical foundation for further research on similar heat-resistant steel surfaces with Al₂O₃ films.

Z-Scheme LaFeO3/Cd0.7Zn0.3S heterojunction based on 3DOM LaFeO3 perovskite for enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen activity

The narrow band gap semiconductor LaFeO3 with ABO3 perovskite structure has been deeply studied in the field of photocatalysis due to its good thermal stability, chemical stability, photoelectric properties and suitable band position. The inverse opal structure gives the material a large specific surface area and increases the adsorption area and active site of the catalyst. In this work, it is reported for the first time that perovskite LaFeO3 inverse opal was applied to photocatalytic hydrogen production. The Cd0.7Zn0.3S QDs were deposited on the skeleton wall of LaFeO3 inverse opal to construct LaFeO3/Cd0.7Zn0.3S binary heterojunction catalyst. The LaFeO3 3DOM can effectively increase the contact area with Cd0.7Zn0.3S QDs with an increase in specific surface area, and the multiple scattering effect improves the efficiency of light utilization. The introduction of Zn2+ ions regulate the band gap position of Cd0.7Zn0.3S QDs and increases the thermodynamic reduction ability of photo generated electrons. The Z-type heterojunction effect formed by LaFeO3 inverse opal and Cd0.7Zn0.3S QDs facilitates the separation and transmission of photo generated charges. The LaFeO3/Cd0.7Zn0.3S heterojunction catalysts achieved a hydrogen production performance of 277.48 μmol/g/h due to the large specific surface area of 3DOM, good light capture ability, band gap regulation of element doping, and efficient charge separation synergistic effect of heterojunction. This work provides new insights into the design and manufacture of perovskite-type 3DOM heterojunction photocatalysts.

Upconversion photoluminescence of Er-doped Bi$_{4}$Ti$_{3}$O$_{12}$ ceramics enhanced by vacancy clusters revealed by positron annihilation spectroscopy

Abstract Doping of rare earth elements into Bi$_{4}$Ti$_{3}$O$_{12}$ can significantly enhance the upconversion photoluminescence (UCPL) properties, but its structure-property relationship is still unclear. In this work, Er-doped bismuth titanate Bi$_{4-x}$Er$_{x}$Ti$_{3}$O$_{12}$ ($x$=0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5) ceramics were synthesized via solid-state reaction method. The X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed the orthorhombic crystalline structure of the Bi$_{4-x}$Er$_{x}$Ti$_{3}$O$_{12}$ ceramics without any secondary phases. Experiments and calculations of positron annihilation spectroscopy were carried out to characterize their defect structure. The comparison between the experimental and calculated lifetime revealed that vacancy clusters were the main defects in the ceramics. The increase of the intensity of the second positron lifetime component (I$_{2}$) of Bi$_{3.5}$Er$_{0.5}$Ti$_{3}$O$_{12}$ ceramics indicated the presence of a high concentration of vacancy clusters. The UCPL spectra shown the sudden enhanced UCPL performance in Bi$_{3.7}$Er$_{0.3}$Ti$_{3}$O$_{12}$ and Bi$_{3.5}$Er$_{0.5}$Ti$_{3}$O$_{12}$ ceramics, which were consistent with the variation of the second positron lifetime component (I$_{2}$). These results indicate that the enhanced UCPL properties are influenced not only by the concentrations of rare earth ions but also by the concentration of vacancy clusters present within the ceramics.

Electronic Structure Modulating of W 18 O 49 Nanospheres by Niobium Doping for Efficient Hydrogen Evolution Reaction.

Developing efficient electrocatalysts to reduce HER overpotential is vital to enhance hydrogen production efficiency and minimize energy consumption. Adjusting the electronic structure of transition metal oxides via elemental doping is a potent strategy to improve the effectiveness of electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution. In this work, we synthesized a set of niobium-doped tungsten oxides (Nbx-W18O49) under anoxic conditions using a straightforward "one-pot" solvothermal approach. After doping Nb, the oxygen vacancy content inside W18O49was increased, which induced a synergistic effect with the active sites of tungsten. In acidic environments, the hydrogen evolution activity of the Nb0.6-W18O49electrocatalyst is secondonly by 20 wt% Pt/C. It attains a current density of -10 mA cm-2at an overpotential of 102 mV. By comparison with W18O49, Nb0.4-W18O49and Nb0.5-W18O49, Nb0.6-W18O49demonstrates a reduced charge transfer resistance, which significantly enhances its conductivity and the speed of electron movement across interfaces. Coupled with this feature are notably faster HER kinetics. Additionally, it exhibits excellent stability, meaning it maintains its performance and structural integrity over prolonged periods and under various operational conditions. This article provides a new perspective for discovering inexpensive and efficient hydrogen evolution electrocatalyst materials.

Aliovalent Doping of Niobium and Tantalum Pentoxide as Potential Alternative Support Material for Fuel Cell Catalysts

AbstractAs the usually used Carbon Blacks (CB) as support materials in fuel cell catalysts are thermodynamically unstable, alternative supports with high chemical stability and electrical conductivity are to be found. After the investigation of Nb and Ta‐doped SnO2 in an earlier publication, which revealed interesting conductivity properties, we expanded our portfolio of mutual doping of elements of stable oxides into the oxides of the others by reporting here on the Sn, Hf and W‐doping as guests into the base oxides Nb2O5 and Ta2O5. The changes in unit cell parameters as indicators for the doping success were investigated in the doping range of x=0–10 mol % guest fraction. From a complete solubility of the guest ions in case of Hf and W‐doping in the base oxides to a limited solubility in case of Sn‐doping, a whole spectrum of different results was obtained. Additional insight came from UV/vis spectroscopic investigations in diffuse reflectance as well as electrical conductivity measurements.

Effect of different metallic doping elements on the physical properties of iron oxide thin films

This study investigates the physical properties of pure and Co, Cr, Mn, and Ni-doped Fe2O3 thin films fabricated using spray pyrolysis techniques on glass substrates. The primary aim is to understand how doping influences the structural, optical, and dielectric properties of Fe2O3 thin films. The deposition parameters were kept constant for all samples, with a fixed dopant concentration of 3 weight percent (wt%). X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed a single diffraction peak indexed as (104), decreasing in crystallite size from 17.27 nm for the pure film to approximately 11.5 nm for all doped films. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) images displayed non-homogeneous grain formation, characterized by an average grain size larger than the crystallite size, indicating agglomeration. The optical band gap value shifted from 2.54 eV for the pure film to higher values upon doping with various elements, signifying direct allowed transitions. Changes in refractive index dispersion with wavelength were observed based on the dopant type. The application of the Spitzer-Fan model revealed an increase in high-frequency dielectric constant upon doping compared to the pure film, varying across different dopants. Photoluminescence (PL) spectra recorded under excitation at 340 nm exhibited multiple emission peaks within the spectral range of 399 to 600 nm.