Production and Characterization of Magnesium‐Doped Copper Chromite Fibers. Issue 16 (27th December 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kaya, Ismail C.; Akyildiz, Hasan
• Other Names: Guziewicz Elżbieta guestEditor.; Paskaleva Albena guestEditor.; Knez Mato guestEditor.; Österlund Lars guestEditor.
• Is Part Of: Physica status solidi. Volume 215:Issue 16(2018)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2017-12-27
• Subjects: CuCrO2 -- electrospinning -- fibers -- Mg‐doping; Solid state physics -- Periodicals; Solids -- Industrial applications -- Periodicals; 530.41
• DOI: 10.1002/pssa.201700795
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1862-6300

Abstract

Abstract : In this study, Mg‐doped CuCr1− x Mg x O2 ( x = 0, 0.01, 0.03, 0.05) fibers are synthesized via electrospinning process followed by a two‐step heat treatment in air and Ar atmospheres. The produced samples are all crystalline with a fiber diameter ranging from 120 to 140 nm. The effect of Mg 2+ substitution for Cr 3+ on the structural, morphological, and optical properties of CuCrO2 fibers is investigated systematically. Structural characterizations indicate that the solubility limit of Mg 2+ is around 3 at.% and beyond this concentration the formation of MgO phase is observed. This also leads to the formation of Cu cations with ( + 2) oxidation state. In addition, the incorporation of Mg into the CuCrO2 lattice hinders the formation of perfect hexagonal‐shaped isolated grains and contribute to the preservation of fiber morphology after the final sintering step. Further, the optical transmittance in the visible range decreases with increasing Mg‐doping ratio. The corresponding optical band gaps are determined to be 3.53, 3.47, 3.30, and 3.22 eV, respectively, for x = 0, 0.01, 0.03, 0.05. Abstract : Cu‐based delafossites exhibit optical transparency, low‐lying valence band maximum, and a high hole mobility. These features make them candidate materials for various applications, such as photocathode/hole‐transporting layer in p‐type dye sensitized or perovskite solar cells. Targeting those applications, Mg‐doped CuCr(1− x ) Mg( x ) O2 fibers are synthesized via electrospinning process. The effect of Mg substitution for Cr sites on the structural, morphological, and optical properties is investigated.