Hydrothermal synthesis of MnSe2 nano-sheets: Influence of Fe and Co doping on growth and properties

Abstract

Present study reports the hydrothermal synthesis of MnSe2 nano-sheets prepared under subcritical conditions. The influence of Fe and Co doping on the growth and properties of MnSe2 has been investigated. To the best of our knowledge, we are the first to report Fe and Co doping in MnSe2. Structural properties revealed that MnSe2 nanostructures grow in a cubic phase. Morphological studies revealed formation of sheet like structures having thickness in nanoscales. Vibrating sample magnetometer study confirmed antiferromagnetic nature of the nano-sheets. Optical properties showed that MnSe2 is a visible light active material. Inclusion of the dopants decreased the antiferromagnetic behavior of MnSe2. Red shift in the optical band gap is observed with the introduction of Fe and Co into the MnSe2 lattice.