Synthesis of sol–gel based nanostructured Cr(III)-doped indium tin oxide films on glass and their optical and magnetic characterizations

Sol–gel based nanostructured Cr(III)-doped indium tin oxide (ITO) films (In:Sn:Cr = 84.6:9.4:6.0) deposited on silica glass were cured at 350 °C, 450 °C, 600 °C, 700 °C and 900 °C. EDX, absorption spectra and TEM images confirmed formation of Cr(III)-doped ITO nanoclusters close to Bohr radius of ITO. Excitonic and phonon interactions were studied by absorption, photoluminescence (PL) and Raman spectra. The photon energy between the satellite peaks of PL spectra predicted phonon vibrations. Strong hybridization between s–p-states of host and d-states of Cr(III) resulted in stable exciton–phonon coupling as revealed from excitonic and lattice phonon vibrations. Soft room temperature ferromagnetism was observed in the films.

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► Sol–gel dip coated nanostructured Cr(III) doped ITO films were deposited on silica glass and cured at temperature ⩾350 °C.
► EDX, absorption spectra and TEM images confirmed formation of Cr(III)-doped ITO nanoclusters close to Bohr radius of ITO.
► Strong hybridization between d-state of Cr(III) and s- and p-state of ITO resulted in stable exciton–phonon coupling.
► Excitonic and phonon interactions were studied by absorption, photoluminescence (PL) and Raman spectra.
► Soft room temperature ferromagnetism was observed in the films.