Structural, morphological, mechanical, and electronic properties of nickel substituted manganese oxide (NixMn1-xO, x= 0.0, 0.2, 0.4) for electronic applications

Abstract

The structural, morphological, mechanical, and electronic properties of nickel-substituted manganese oxide (Ni_xMn_1-xO, where x = 0.0, 0.2, and 0.4) were studied using experimental techniques. The compounds were synthesized using a hydrothermal method. The face-centered cubic structures of the examined compounds were confirmed by XRD. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images revealed that the particles were well-shaped, while elemental mapping with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) confirmed that the examined compounds had the appropriate proportions of Ni, Mn, and O. The FT-IR spectroscopy results indicated the respective functional groups. Raman spectroscopy results disclosed the vibration modes of the respective materials. The Tauc plot reveals the semiconducting nature of the compounds. The UV-Vis bandgap study revealed the semiconductor natures of compounds. This demonstrates that these nanoparticles can be used in atom lasers, photovoltaics, and other electronic applications.

Keywords: Manganese oxide; Mechanical properties; Morphology; Ni-substitution; UV-Vis bandgap study.