X-ray structural studies on solubility of Fe substituted CuO. Issue 105 (31st October 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Nasir, Mohd; Patra, N.; Shukla, D. K.; Bhattacharya, D.; Kumar, Sunil; Phase, D. M.; Jha, S. N.; Biring, S.; Shirage, Parasharam M.; Sen, Somaditya
• Is Part Of: RSC advances. Volume 6:Issue 105(2016)
• Page Start: 103571
• Page End: 103578
• Publication Date: 2016-10-31
• Subjects: Chemistry -- Periodicals; 540.5
• DOI: 10.1039/c6ra22255b
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2046-2069

Abstract

Abstract : SXAS/XANES/EXAFS studies indicate absence of Fe-clusters/FeO/Fe2 O3 impurity phases, confirm substitution of Cu 2+ by Fe 3+ in CuO lattice, and reveal similarity between Fe & Cu environments with reduction in O-vacancies for increasing Fe content. Abstract : CuO is a promising material for the spintronic industry for which lattice distortions/defects play an important role in determining its magnetic and various other physical properties. The ionic radii and charge of Cu 2+ [vi ] (0.73 Å) and Fe 3+ [vi ] (0.64 Å) are quite different. Hence high Fe substitution in CuO in place of Cu may generate strain/distortions. Fe substitution may enhance magnetic properties, even at room temperature, making such materials interesting for device applications. A detailed structural study on Fe incorporated CuO lattices to confirm phase purity, supported by evidence of the absence of a secondary phase is absolutely essential especially when considering a considerable substitution of up to ∼12.5%. The electronic valence state, fine structure and local neighborhood/geometry of constituent elements need to be investigated using synchrotron based X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS). We report, for the first time, such a detailed study on understanding this magnetically and electronically important material: Cu1− x Fe x O, 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.125.