Facile synthesis and characterization of Eu-and Sm-doped CuO: morphological, electrical, magnetic, and optical studies

Abstract In this study, monoclinic pristine CuO and Cu 0.98 M 0.02 Onanoparticles ( M = Eu and/or Sm) have been successfully prepared via a cost-effective facile coprecipitation method. The effect of Eu and Sm doping on the compositional, morphological, dielectric, and magnetic characteristics of the synthesized CuO-based samples has been explored. X-ray diffraction measurements confirmed the formation of a pure monoclinic structure and the adequate insertion of the Eu and Sm dopant ions into the host lattice structure. The average crystallite size ranged from 17 to 22 nm. The band gap value of pristine CuO was found to be around 1.4 eV, which slightly varied upon doping by Eu and Sm ions. Furthermore, the photoluminescence (PL) intensity decreased after Eu and Sm doping. The obtained samples exhibited paramagnetic behavior upon exposure to an external magnetic field. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) results showed the formation of uniform fine particles. The implantation of Eu and Sm ions boosts the room-temperature conductivity of CuO.