Enhancement and refinement of SSP method for XRD analysis and investigation of structural properties of pure and Ca-doped zinc oxide

The Size-Strain Plot (SSP) method has been modified and optimized for improved X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, particularly focusing on its application in probing the structural properties of pure and Ca-doped zinc oxide nanoparticles (Zn_1 − xCa_xO, x = 0.0: ZnO, x = 0.01: ZCa1, x = 0.03: ZCa3, x = 0.05: ZCa5). Zn_1 − xCa_xO nanoparticles were synthesized by a gelatin-based sol-gel method. Through rigorous experimentation and analysis, the optimized SSP method demonstrates enhanced accuracy and reliability in determining crystallite size and lattice strain. The structural properties of Zn_1 − xCa_xO, including crystallite size distribution and lattice strain effects, are thoroughly investigated, shedding light on the underlying mechanisms influencing ZnO’s structural behavior. This refined SSP method offers valuable insights into the nanostructural characteristics of Zn_1 − xCa_xO, contributing to advancements in material science and nanotechnology. Also, the optical properties of the prepared samples were investigated in the UV-vis range. The results showed that adding calcium to zinc oxide with the mentioned amounts does not cause significant changes in its structure and optical properties.