Synthesis and Characterization of Nickel-Doped Cerium Oxide Thin Films Using Solution Growth Technique

Authors

  • Chinonso Mbamara
    Department of Industrial Physics, University of Agriculture and Environmental Science, Umuagwo, Imo State, Nigeria
  • Ikechukwu Christian Nworie
    Department of Industrial and Medical Physics, David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences, Uburu (DUFUHS)";}
    https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4902-7103
  • Ndifreke Okporie Brown
    David Umahi Federal Department of Industrial and Medical Physics, David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences (DUFUHS), Uburu Ebonyi State, Nigeria
  • Patricia Benedict Otah
    Department of Industrial and Medical Physics, David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences (DUFUHS), Uburu Ebonyi State, Nigeria
  • Kingsley Ikechukwu Oko
    Department of Science Education, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki
  • Hyacinth Kevin Idu
    Department of Industrial and Medical Physics, David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences (DUFUHS), Uburu Ebonyi State, Nigeria
  • Miriam Chibuzo Amadi
    Department of Biochemistry, University of Agriculture and Environmental Science, Umuagwo, Imo State, Nigeria

Keywords:

Nickel Oxide, Dopant, Chemical bath Deposition, band gap, Cerium Oxide

Abstract

Metal-doped rare-earth oxides thin films, synthesized via solution growth, enable tunable electronic, optical, and catalytic properties for diverse technological applications due to their controlled composition and morphology. This study investigates the synthesis and characterization of Cerium Oxide (CeO₂) thin films doped with Nickel Oxide (NiO) using the Chemical Bath Deposition (CBD) technique. Reaction baths were prepared from solutions containing Cerium Nitrate, Nickel Sulphate, Sodium Hydroxide, Ammonia, and distilled water. The process involved the preparation of six reaction baths—three using Sodium Hydroxide and three using Ammonia as complexing agents, with varying concentrations of Cerium Nitrate. The deposited films were characterized for their optical and morphological properties. Optical measurements were conducted using a UV-spectrophotometer, revealing that Sodium Hydroxide resulted in lower transmittance and band gap energy compared to Ammonia at concentrations, indicating potential defects or impurities in the cerium oxide matrix. An increase in molar concentration corresponded with an elevated band gap energy, while the incorporation of NiO as a dopant significantly enhanced the band gap of the CeO₂ films. Morphological analysis via Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) demonstrated improved uniformity and orientation of the films with well-defined grain boundaries and reduced agglomeration when complexing agents were employed. These findings suggest that NiO-doped CeO₂ thin films exhibit promising potential for applications in photovoltaic systems, thermal control coatings, and UV radiation suppression

Author Biography

Ikechukwu Christian Nworie

Lecturer, Department of Medical and Inndustrial Physics, David Umahi Federal University of Health Science (DUFUHS), Uburu, Ebonyi, Nigeria

Dimensions

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Published

2024-12-31

How to Cite

Mbamara, C., Nworie, I. C., Brown, N. O., Otah, P. B., Oko, K. I., Idu, H. K., & Amadi, M. C. (2024). Synthesis and Characterization of Nickel-Doped Cerium Oxide Thin Films Using Solution Growth Technique. Nigerian Journal of Physics, 33(4), 139-146. https://doi.org/10.62292/njp.v33i4.2024.334

Issue

Vol. 33 No. 4 (2024): Nigerian Journal of Physics - Vol. 33 No. 4

Section

Articles
Copyright & Licensing

How to Cite

Mbamara, C., Nworie, I. C., Brown, N. O., Otah, P. B., Oko, K. I., Idu, H. K., & Amadi, M. C. (2024). Synthesis and Characterization of Nickel-Doped Cerium Oxide Thin Films Using Solution Growth Technique. Nigerian Journal of Physics, 33(4), 139-146. https://doi.org/10.62292/njp.v33i4.2024.334

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