Pd(II)-doping studies on tris(thiourea)zinc(II) sulphate crystals: Catalytic effect of Pd(II)-doping on SHG efficiency

Single crystals of Pd(II)-doped tris(thiourea)zinc(II) sulphate (ZTS) have been grown from an aqueous solution by conventional slow evaporation solution growth technique. The characteristic functional groups have been identified by FTIR analysis. Crystal stress has been indicated by powder XRD patterns and FTIR analysis. Incorporation of dopant into the crystalline matrix during crystallization process has been evidenced by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and quantified by inductively coupled plasma technique. The surface morphological changes have been observed in the doped specimen. Mechanical stability of the as-grown specimen has been analyzed by Vickers microhardness analysis. Thermal studies reveal no decomposition up to the melting point. Lattice parameters determined by single crystal XRD analysis reveal only minor variations as a result of low doping. Pd(II) doping has a catalytic effect on the second harmonic generation efficiency improvement of zinc thiourea complex. (author)