Synthesis, morphological and optical properties impact on transition metal ion (Co and Mn)-doped barium strontium titanate (BST) ferroelectric ceramics towards enhanced optoelectronic device applications

Barium strontium titanate (BST) is a perovskite material, which is used directly in various applications including thermistors, electromechanical actuators, sensors and ceramic capacitors. Here, we have investigated the impact of dopant (Mn and Co) on synthesized BST nanoparticles and its morphological, structural, vibrational and optical properties have been investigated through scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), photoluminescence (PL), FTIR and Raman spectroscopies. SEM image showed the nearly spherical grain for pure BST and doped (Mn and Co) BST samples. The estimated particles were strongly influenced by different dopants, in addition, Mn-doped BST showed maximum grain growth for pure and Co-doped BST samples. XRD patterns have been employed to investigate the microstructural parameters (phase, lattice, crystallite size, strain, dislocation density, etc.). The crystallite sizes have been estimated using the Scherrer formula, showing maximum crystallite size for Mn-doped BST ceramics. Recorded FTIR spectra showed the transmission peak, which is centred at wavenumber of 470 cm⁻¹ (pure BST), was shifted to 1250 cm⁻¹ with Mn-doped BST. Raman spectra exhibited the increased number of modes from pure BST to Mn-doped BST sample. PL showed the emissions bands, which were observed at 602–659 nm. Here, the peak shifted towards higher wavelength from pure BST to Mn-doped BST (red shifting from pure to Mn-doped BST). It revealed that the prepared samples can be employed as suitable photoluminar material.