Improved structural and dielectric properties of Cd and Ti dual doped ZnO nanoparticles

This report addressed the impact of Cadmium (Cd) and Titanium (Ti) substitution on the structural, optical and dielectric properties of Zn0.94Cd0.06−xTixO (x = 0 and 0.03). Both the samples are synthesized using the sol–gel auto combustion method and their properties are investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, UV–Visible spectroscopy and dielectric measurements. The structural study using Rietveld refinement of XRD patterns showed the presence of a single-phase hexagonal structure with the P63mc space group for both the samples. The refinement results revealed that with the increase in Ti content, both the lattice parameter and the unit cell volume increase. Shifting of the absorption edge to lower wavelength and blue shift of the bandgap are observed in the UV–Visible spectra of the Ti-doped Zn0.94Cd0.06O sample. The dielectric properties of the prepared samples were investigated by the dielectric spectrometer with varying frequencies. It has been found that dielectric constant and conductivity properties of Zn0.94Cd0.06O are enhanced via Ti substitution.