Microwave-synthesis of La³⁺ doped PbI₂ nanosheets (NSs) and their characterizations for optoelectronic applications

Herein, we report the microwave-synthesis of pure and lanthanum (La³⁺) doped PbI₂ nanostructures. Single phase and good crystallinity confirmation was done using X-ray diffraction and FT-Raman spectroscopy analyses. Presence of La in the final product was proved by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and homogeneous doping of La was seen in EDX elemental mapping. Vibrational modes of final products gets shifted compare to bulk values which evidently specify more relaxed nanostructure formation. The morphology was determined by scanning electron microscope analysis which was nanorods (NRs) of dimension in range of 70–100 nm of pure. However, when doped with 1% La the formation of nanosheets (NSs) are found to be more dense with well defined hexagonal morphology and the average thickness is found to be reduced which is ~ 57 nm and size is increased. Ultra violet–visible–near infrared measurement was done and the energy gap was computed, which are in range of ~ 2.93 to 3.26 eV. Photoluminescence emission spectra was recorded at λexc=221nm. PL emissions positioned at ~ 470 ± 2 and 525 ± 7 nm are corresponding to blue and green emissions in NSs. An enhancement in values of dielectric and electrical conductivity was observed due to doping.