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Insight of yttrium doping on the structural and dielectric characteristics of ZnO nanoparticles

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Abstract

We report on synthesizing rare-earth yttrium oxide-doped ZnO nanoparticles through high-energy planetary milling approach. The impact of varying dopant content in the 3.0, 5.0 to 7.0 wt% range on microstructural, optical and electrical properties of ZnO nanoparticles has been successfully explored. The XRD data showed the existence of a hexagonal wurtzite ZnO phase along with Y2O3 impurity peaks, and the SEM micrographs divulge the development of semi-spherical nanoparticles. The incorporation of Y2O3 dopant in ZnO lattice has been supported by EDS, XPS and Raman analysis. The frequency and composition dependence of dielectric parameters was investigated and interpreted according to the Maxwell Wagner model. The data revealed non-monotonic dependence of the dielectric constant (εr), dielectric loss (tan δ) and AC conductivity and impedance of ZnO with varying dopant content. The variation of the shape of the impedance semicircles and the equivalent circuits between pure and doped ZnO samples prove increased grain boundary resistance due to Y2O3 incorporation. The study reveals that Yttrium-doped ZnO nanostructures are possible potential candidates for application in electronic devices if the dopant’s content is controlled.

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Acknowledgements

This research was supported by the Deanship of Scientific Research, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, Saudi Arabia, Grant No. (20-13-12-017).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Chemistry Department, College of Science, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University (IMSIU), Riyadh, 11623, Saudi Arabia

    Arafat Toghan, Abbas I. Alakhras & M. Khairy

  2. Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, South Valley University, Qena, 83523, Egypt

    Arafat Toghan

  3. Department of Chemistry, College of Science and Arts, Qassim University, Ar Rass, Saudi Arabia

    A. Modwi

  4. Laser Technology Unit, Center of Excellent for Advanced Science, National Research Centre, 33 El Bohouth st. (Former El Tahrir st.), Dokki, P.O. 12622, Giza, Egypt

    Ayman M. Mostafa

  5. Spectroscopy Department, Physics Division, National Research Centre, 33 El Bohouth st. (Former El Tahrir st.), Dokki, P.O. 12622, Giza, Egypt

    Ayman M. Mostafa

  6. Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Benha University, Benha, Egypt

    M. Khairy

  7. Chemical & Industrial Chemistry Department, College of Applied & Industrial Sciences, Bahri University, Khartoum, Sudan

    Kamal K. Taha

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  1. Arafat Toghan
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Toghan, A., Modwi, A., Mostafa, A.M. et al. Insight of yttrium doping on the structural and dielectric characteristics of ZnO nanoparticles. J Mater Sci: Mater Electron 33, 18167–18179 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10854-022-08673-0

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