A Novel Co-Precipitation Route for the ‎Synthesis of Pure and Ni-Doped CuO ‎Nanoparticles: Effect of Doping on ‎Structural, Optical, and Electrical ‎Properties ‎

A novel route for the synthesis of pure and nickel (Ni) doped copper oxide (CuO) nanoparticles via a simple co-precipitation process has been presented. The effect of the concentration of the dopant Ni (0, 2, and 4 mol %) on its properties has been carefully investigated. It has been reported that Ni doping is successfully achieved through the synthesis route. The structure and morphology were analyzed by using X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and field emission scanning electron microscopy. X-ray diffraction analysis proved that prepared nanoparticles are highly pure and crystalline having a monoclinic structure and the crystallite size increases (13 nm to 17 nm) with Ni doping. Fourier transform infrared spectrum show successful Ni doping in the CuO system. Optical properties were investigated using UV-vis spectroscopy and the calculated band gap energies are 4.64 and 4.71 eV for pure and doped CuO, respectively. Electrical properties (dielectric constant (𝜀′), dielectric loss (tan δ), and AC conductivity (𝜎𝑎𝑐) were studied using room temperature impedance spectroscopy. Energy dispersive X-ray spectrum of undoped and Ni-doped CuO to confirm the prepared sample composition has also been presented and discussed.