Exploring the Effect of Ce Doping on Structural, Magnetic Solar Cell and Optical Characteristics of Nano ZnMn2O4

Abstract

This work describes the use of urea as fuel and a simple solution-based approach technique for both the pure and Ce-doped ZnMn₂O₄. The magnetic, structural, optical, morphological, vibrational spectroscopy and solar cell analysis were performed on the resultant materials. By increasing the Ce doping, the grain size shrank. On the other hand, the average crystallite size of pure and Ce-doped ZnMn₂O₄ represents 29–21 nm. The results of vibrational spectroscopy revealed that the absorption bands 450–900 cm⁻¹ and 950–1050 cm⁻¹ both exhibit spinal manganite formation. The morphologies of the highly uniformly distributed nanoparticles in each sample varied according to the preparation. To reach the Ce doping level, the band gap energy (1.4–2.2 eV) was lowered from the bulk to the nanoscale. M-H loops, the composites showed that cations were paramagnetic to ferromagnetic, were occupied by octahedral and tetrahedral structures. Additionally, the impact of doping on the optical and structural characteristics of various blends was investigated. This advancement suggests the application of prepared blends in various optoelectronic, electrochemical, storage devices, and solar cell applications.