Sol-gel synthesis of Ti-Doped ZnO nanoparticles: Contribution of Solvent effects to structural, mechanical, and magnetic properties
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Abstract
Abstract In this study, Zn₁₋ₓTiₓO (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.05) nanoparticles were synthesized via the sol-gel method, and the effects of monoethanolamine (MEA) and 2-propanol solvents on structural, magnetic, and mechanical properties were comparatively investigated. The originality of the study lies in its systematic and multifaceted analysis of solvent-induced effects. XRD analyses confirmed that the wurtzite structure of ZnO was preserved; however, peak shifts and reductions in crystallite size occurred due to both solvent and doping effects. SEM images revealed that MEA led to more compact and homogeneous structures, while 2-propanol resulted in more porous and irregular morphologies, particularly at lower doping levels. Magnetic measurements showed the development of ferromagnetic behavior. Mechanical tests indicated that samples synthesized with MEA reached a maximum microhardness of 0.556 GPa, whereas 2-propanol-based samples exhibited a fracture toughness as high as 1.89 MPa.m 1/2 . Microhardness data were analyzed using Meyer’s law, the PSR, EPD and IIC models, HK approach; RISE behavior was dominant in the MEA system, while ISE behavior prevailed in the undoped and Ti5 samples. These results demonstrate that the ZnO/Ti nanostructures can be optimized for targeted properties through solvent-controlled design, positioning them as strategic material candidates for high-performance applications in sensors, optoelectronic systems, and surface engineering.
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OpenAlex topics: ZnO doping and properties · Polymer Nanocomposite Synthesis and Irradiation · Copper-based nanomaterials and applications
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References (56)
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