Department of Physics, College of Science-University of Diyala, Diyala, Iraq

In this study, aluminum (Al) doped Fe2O3 thin film nanoparticles with varying concentrations were prepared using hydrothermal and spray coating methods. Advanced characterization techniques, including ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), were used to evaluate the optical and morphological properties of the films. Structural studies using X-ray diffraction confirmed the film phase and revealed a polycrystalline structure composed of nanocrystals. FE-SEM was used to verify the morphology. Results showed a typical particle size range of 54 to 36 nanometers. EDS data indicated an Al atomic doping fraction of 6.4% in the Fe2O3. Spectrophotometry was used to determine the optical properties of the films, including band gap, transmittance, and absorptivity. Optical analysis revealed an optical band gap of approximately 1.9–2.3 eV in the 340–900 nm wavelength range, which varied with concentration and preparation process. The samples prepared by the spray coating method exhibited a more regular structure, consistent with the structural and optical properties of samples prepared by both methods. Furthermore, it is important to point out that these materials must be considered in a broader context, as they have potential applications in various technological fields.