Structural, Optical, and Vibrational Behavior of V₂O₅-Doped Li₀.₅Na₀.₅NbO₃ Ceramics

This study explores the thermal, optical, vibrational and structural properties of lead-free Li _0.5 Na _0.5 NbO ₃ (LNN) ceramics to a different concentration of V ₂ O ₅ (0, 1, 3, 5, and 9 mol). The samples were prepared in the older solid-state method of reaction. The formation of a single phase orthorhombic perovskite structure was confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) yet there was slight displacement of the XRD patterns implying that there were minimal secondary phases. The peaks of diffraction were evidence of the effective inclusion of the vanadium in the lattice. DSC analysis displayed that V ₂ O ₅ addition changed the optical investigations with the aid of UV-Vis spectroscopy displayed progressive changes in the optical band gap, which are indicative of a dopant alteration in the electronic structure created by defect states. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed improvement in grain growth and densification. FTIR and Raman spectroscopy of Nb-O bond vibrations and local structural order showed that these results were found at optimal doping concentrations, further supporting these findings. The V ₂ O ₅ was found to enhance the microstructural and functional properties of LNN ceramics, and they will be suitable in future lead-free electronic and dielectric devices.