Structural, optical, magnetic, and photoluminescence properties of Sn0.7−xMo0.3 NdxO2+δ (0.0 ≤ x ≤ 0.3).

In this study, the properties of a series of (Sn_0.7−xMo_0.3 Nd_xO_2+δ) (0.0 ≤ x ≤ 0.3) Nd³⁺ thin films prepared by sol–gel/spin coating technique were examined. The XRD analysis revealed the formation of all thin films in the form of Cassiterite structure. According to the FTIR investigation, when Nd³⁺ was substituted for Sn⁴⁺ ions in the crystal lattice, the absorption peaks migrated to the lower wavenumber side. This could be related to variations in bond length that occurs when Sn⁴⁺ ions in the crystal lattice are replaced with lighter Nd³⁺ ions. The morphology of the films was examined by using scanning electron microscope (SEM). In terms of Nd content, optical properties such as optical band gap, refractive index (n), and extinction coefficient (k) were investigated. The magnetic characteristics indicated diamagnetic behavior of Sn_0.7Mo_0.3O_2+δ, paramagnetic behavior of Sn_0.6Nd_0.1Mo_0.3O_2+δ, and ferromagnetic behavior of samples with a high concentration of Nd, (Sn_0.5Nd_0.2Mo_0.3O_2+δ, Sn_0.4Nd_0.3Mo_0.3O_2+δ). The presence of active Nd³⁺ successfully introduced into the Sn:Mo host matrix is confirmed by the excitation dependent (PL) observed in the 350–700 nm range. PL measurements reveal two large bands located at 425 and 466 nm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]