Neodymium-doped SnS nanomaterials: ultrasound-assisted synthesis, characterization, and investigation of its physical properties

In this research, tin sulfide compounds and their dope in different percentages with neodymium were prepared by the sonochemical method. Next, the surface and structure of the synthesized samples were thoroughly analyzed using different detection techniques such as scanning electron microscopy, X-ray energy scattering, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction. The X-ray diffraction pattern showed that the crystalline phase of tin sulfide and its doping with neodymium was orthorhombic and the results of elemental analysis confirmed the presence of tin, sulfur, and neodymium elements. Based on SEM images, the morphology of the prepared SnS was crystalline and changed to a nanoflower structure after Nd doping. After examining the surface morphology and structure of the synthesized samples, diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) and 4-probe techniques were employed to study the optical properties and electrical conductivity of these compounds. Band gap calculations based on absorption spectrum data indicated that the band gap decreased with the increase in dopant amount. Additionally, with the increase in the amount of dopant and temperature, the electrical resistance declined and the electrical conductivity increased.