Impact of Cu1-xNixO on the structural, optical and photoluminescence performance of nano Zn0.95Mg0.05O/Cu1-xNixO

Zn_0.95Mg_0.05O and Zn_0.95Mg_0.05O/Cu_1-xNi_xO (where x = 0, 0.05, 0.1, 0.15) samples were synthesized via the solid-state reaction technique. High resolution synchrotron x-ray diffraction patterns enabled accurate determination of the formed crystallographic phases and their percentages. Field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) images displayed particles in the nano range having different shapes representing different phases but with homogeneous morphologies. Energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analysis revealed presence of Mg and Ni elements with percentages comparable with intended values. Analysis of Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and Raman spectra advocated the exchange of cations between the formed phases. The optical absorbance of visible spectrum is enhanced upon composing Zn_0.95Mg_0.05O with CuO. With the rise in Ni content in Zn_0.95Mg_0.05O/Cu_1-xNi_xO nanocomposite, the absorbance ability within the visible spectrum is slightly augmented. The determined optical bandgap energy for the composed samples x = 0, 0.05, 0.1, and 0.15 are (1.4, 3.21), (1.41, 3.22), (1.39, 3.22), and (1.41, 3.21) eV, respectively. The refractive index attained a maximum value for the nanocomposites with 0% and 15% Ni content. The nonlinear optical parameters were enhanced as Zn_0.95Mg_0.05O was alloyed with Cu_1-xNi_xO. The nonlinear optical characteristics exhibited minor alterations as the quantity of Ni varied in the nanocomposite. The optical dielectric constant and optical conductivity of Zn_0.95Mg_0.05O is improved upon composing with Cu_1-xNi_xO, experiencing irregular change by the variation of Ni. The effect of alloying on the photoluminescence spectrum and CIE chromaticity diagrams was explored.