Structural and microstructural properties of Al-doped NSMO manganites prepared through modified sol–gel method

CMR manganites are widely explored because of their versatile spintronic applications. A systematic study on structural as well as microstructural properties of Al-doped Nd_0.7Sr_0.3MnO₃ manganites was undertaken. We synthesized Nd_0.7Sr_0.3Mn_1-yAl_yO₃ (where y = 0, 0.03, 0.06, 0.09, 0.12 and 0.15) compounds using modified sol–gel method. One of the compounds was characterized using Thermo-gravimetric for fixing the sintering temperature. Energy dispersive X-ray analysis was performed to confirm the stoichiometry of each synthesized compound. Fourier-transform Infrared spectroscopy confirmed the intrinsic nature of the compounds and presence of Mn–O–Mn angles and Mn–O bonds. The analysis of X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns revealed that each compound shown orthorhombic crystal structure having space group Pnma. The unit cell parameters, unit cell volume, X-ray density and porosity were calculated by XRD analysis. Surface morphology and grain boundaries were inspected with Scanning Electron Microscopy measurements. Variation in crystallite size achieved using Scherrer’s formula and strain through Williamson-Hall method will be conversed in the light of influence of Al-doping.