Effect of Zn, Ti and Sn dopants on the structural, morphological and optical properties of MgO nanoparticles synthesized via green combustion using Persicaria odorata leaves extract

Doping magnesium oxide nanoparticles (MgO-NPs) with metals like Zinc, Tin and Titanium may lead to novel and advanced material that expands their potential applications. The synthesis of MgO-NPs using green approaches provides an alternative to the common methods employed in various industries. The present study is focused on the synthesis of MgO-NPs and their doped materials (MgO_0.99Zn_0.01-NPs, MgO_0.99Ti_0.01-NPs and MgO_0.99Sn_0.01-NPs) via green combustion, using Persicaria odorata leaves extract as a natural reducing agent. FTIR screening indicated the occurrence of combustion, while XRD patterns confirmed the purity of all synthesized nanoparticles. SEM results showed doped variants exhibiting smaller sizes than MgO-NPs, particularly with Mg_0.99Sn_0.01O-NPs having the smallest average crystallite size followed by Mg_0.99Ti_0.01O-NPs and Mg_0.99Zn_0.01O-NPs, respectively. EDX analysis revealed that all of the dopants have been successfully doped into the MgO lattice via substitutional manner. The band gap of doped MgO-NPs has been narrowed compared to MgO-NPs. Subsequently, the optoelectronics properties of the materials can be enhanced.