Studies on the effect of nickel on growth, structural, optical, electrical, thermal and mechanical properties of l-valinium picrate

The effect of nickel (Ni) doping on the growth, morphology and physio–chemical properties of l-valinium picrate (LVP) single crystals grown by slow evaporation solution growth technique has been investigated. The addition of Ni improves the morphology of LVP considerably. The grown crystals are subjected to single crystal and powder X-ray diffraction studies to identify the morphology and structure. Crystalline perfection in pure and doped crystals is assessed by high-resolution X-ray diffractometry. The actual dopant concentration incorporated in the crystalline matrix is estimated by atomic absorption spectroscopy. The metal coordination with LVP is ascertained by FT-IR studies. The UV cut off range is determined by optical absorption study. The NLO behavior of pure LVP and Ni:LVP crystal is tested by Kurtz–Perry technique. The TG–DTA studies indicate that the doped crystals exhibit better thermal stability. Dielectric and micro hardness studies are also carried out.