Synthesis and Exploring structural, magnetic, morphology and optical properties of La2−xAlxCuO4 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.25) perovskite nanoparticles by microwave-assisted combustion method

Abstract

La2CuO4 perovskite nanoparticles doped with aluminum were synthesized through the microwave-assisted combustion technique. Comprehensive studies on the structural, magnetic optical, functional and morphological properties were conducted using various techniques, including XRD, EDX, VSM, DRS-UV, FT-IR and FESEM respectively, .The XRD patterns of pristine La2CuO4 and Al-doped La2CuO4 unequivocally validated the exclusive development of a perovskite structure, devoid of any impurities. Nevertheless, the augmentation in Al3+ content (x = 0–0.25) induced a noteworthy phase shift from orthorhombic to cubic configuration. The average crystallite dimensions spanned from 54 to 41 nm. Distinct FT-IR bands at approximately 687 and 434 cm-1 were intricately linked to the La-O and Cu-O stretching modes inherent to the orthorhombic La2CuO4 phase. The energy gap determined through the Kubelka–Munk (K–M) methodology, experienced an elevation concomitant with the heightened Al3+ content (1.67–1.72 eV), attributable to quantum confinement phenomena. Within the La2-xAlxCuO4 (x = 0 to 0.25) system, the genesis of nanoscaled crystallized grains, interspersed with pores resulting from the amalgamation of grains, was evident. Analysis of hysteresis curves unveiled the emergence of soft ferromagnetic behavior at ambient temperature.