Structural, Morphological, Magnetic and Optical Limiting Performance of Ni Doped BaSnO₃

Perovskites compounds (ABO₃) have found a great many applications due to the simplicity of the crystal structure, chemical composition, and synthesis methods. The properties of these compounds can be modified by doping at A or B sites. Pure and Ni-doped BaSnO₃ perovskite materials have been synthesized by a solid-state technique. The x-ray diffraction pattern suggests the presence of a polycrystalline BaSnO₃ cubic phase. Rietveld analysis was carried out with General Structure and Analysis System II software. A tiny nanorod-like growth pattern was observed when the Ni doping concentration is increased to 2 mol%. Raman analysis, x-ray photoelectron spectral studies, and electron spin resonance studies revealed the presence of oxygen vacancies. The substitution of tin by nickel ions and the presence of oxygen deficiency in the material can be the reason for the observed increase in magnetic moment with Ni doping. The nonlinear optical property obtained from the Z scan (open aperture) studies revealed the optical limiting nature of the synthesized samples. The observed nonlinear optical process in the prepared materials has potential applications in optical limiters and eye-protecting devices. The dielectric properties of the synthesized samples have also been investigated.