Synthesis, Growth and Characterization of Ni2+ incorporated Potassium Acid Phthalate crystal: A Potential material for NLO applications

Undoped and Nickel nitrate (Ni2+) doped Potassium acid phthalate (KAP C8H5KO4) single crystals were grown by cost effective Slow Evaporation Solution Growth. The grown crystals were subjected to various characterization techniques. The structural and lattice parameters were analyzed by single crystal X-ray diffraction. The spectral properties were assessed by FTIR spectral analysis. Optical characters were analyzed by UV-Vis spectral studies. Mechanical properties of the doped and undoped crystals were evaluated by Vicker's Microhardness study. Thermal stability of the sample was assessed by TG/DTA analysis. EDX analysis confirms the incorporation of metal ion into the crystal lattice of the title compound. SHG studies confirm that Ni2+ doped KAP crystal is a potential candidate for NLO applications.