Tailoring multifunctional properties of nickel oxide nanoparticles through chromium doping: structural, electrical, magnetic, and thermoelectric evolution
摘要
In this research work the nanoparticles (NPs) of pure and Cr-doped CrxNi(1-x)O (x = 0.01 and 0.03) were synthesized, from Ni(NO3)20.6 H2O by dropwise addition of (0.1 M) sodium hydroxide (NaOH) with constant stirring for 1 hour. Precipitate were generated which were centrifuged for 15 minutes at 5000 rpm, dried, calcinated and grinded into nano-powder. The FCC crystal structure and crystallite size varies from 19.83–23.5 nm and was examined by using XRD analysis. The Cauliflower-petal surface morphology of NiO NPs was changed into spherical and elliptical shapes and was identified by SEM analysis. The EDX and FT-IR analysis were carried out for the actual ratios of Ni, Cr and O and presence of functional groups and vibrational frequencies of bonds in CrxNi(1-x)O NPs respectively. VSM analysis shows weak ferromagnetism in pure NiO due to surface defects, with Ms = 5.03 emu·g−1 and Hc = 160 Oe. Cr-doping enhances magnetization, with the highest value of Ms = 5.71 emu·g−1 f or Cr0.01Ni0.99O, but higher doping reduces it due to spin frustration. Increasing Cr-content lowers Mr and Hc, weakening magnetic ordering. (I-V) analysis reveals ohmic behavior in pure NiO, which diminishes with Cr-doping, leading to higher conductivity and improved electrical properties. The Seebeck coefficient confirms p-type behavior (390 µV·K−1 at 300 K). Cr-doping slightly enhances thermoelectric properties, but at 600 K, bipolar conduction reduces the Seebeck coefficient.