Synthesis and characterisation of Zn-doped cerium oxide nanoparticles for electromagnetic radiation shielding

CeO2-NPs (nanoparticles) exhibit a variety of properties, which have prompted researchers to explore various applications, such as gas sensing, biomedical, Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) shielding, etc. Zn-doped CeO2-NPs with concentrations ranging from 7 to 11 mol were synthesised using Aloe vera extract as a reducing agent by the solution combustion method. As obtained, NPs were characterised by standard techniques. Braggs reflections confirm the formation of a single-phase cubic structure of CeO2Zn NPs. Crystalline size is calculated using both the W-H plot and the Scherrer equation, which were found to be 12 and 9 nm, respectively. The Energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX) pattern confirmed the presence of Ce, O and Zn. The direct energy band values are found to be decreasing from 3 to 2.87 eV with an increase in the doping concentration of Zn from 7 to 11 mol. Total shielding efficiency (SET) will give the best representation of shielding properties. The SEt values of CeO2Zn NPs are compared to those of other conventional materials and NP materials, finding significant applications in EMI shielding.