Synthesis and spectroscopic characterisation of Y-doped Cd2SnO4

Abstract

Y-Doped cadmium oxide has been prepared by a solid state reaction of CdO and Y₂O₃ in air, and by a coprecipitation procedure starting from CdO and Y(NO₃)₃·6H₂O. Y-Doped dicadmium stannate has been synthesised by firing well blended mixtures of Y-doped CdO and SnO₂ in air. Both Y-doped CdO and Cd₂SnO₄, have been characterised by XRD, IR, EPR and XPS. XRD measurements confirm the presence of single cubic CdO and orthorhombic Cd₂SnO₄ phases. EPR analysis suggests an increased concentration of conduction electrons and electron mobility upon 2% Y-doping. IR specular reflectance spectra show enhanced reflectivity in the mid IR for Y-doped Cd₂SnO₄ samples. XPS measurements highlight yttrium segregation to the sample surface.