Magnetic and optical properties of Nd/TiO2-rGO nanocomposites

Graphene, the thinnest 2-dimensional atomic material, is successively used as a composite material has it significantly improves optical, thermal, mechanical and electrical properties. Neodymium being a strong paramagnetic substance is capable of storing large amount of magnetic energy because of their greater number of unpaired electrons in their electron orbital structure. This paper focuses on the influence of graphene on the structural, optical and magnetic properties of rare earth neodymium (Nd) doped TiO2 nanoparticles. Nd doped TiO2 nanoparticles are deposited on reduced graphene oxide (rGO) sheets forming the nanocomposites by hydrothermal treatment. The nano size, structure and phase of the composites are analysed by X-ray diffraction and Raman spectra. Dispersion of pure TiO2 and Nd/TiO2 nanoparticles on the rGO sheets is studied with FESEM and HRTEM micrographs alongside the elemental composition confirmed by EDAX. Increased surface area and pore size analysis is revealed by BET isotherms and BJH data. Absorption edges are blue shifted owing to particle size and experimental conditions. PL and EPR spectra confirm the presence of paramagnetic defect centres in the nanocomposites. The M H hysteresis curves of the composites reveal the ferromagnetic behaviour at room temperature.