Growth, structural, optical, piezoelectric and etching analysis of L-lysine p-nitrophenolate monohydrate single crystals

Nonlinear optical single crystals of L-lysine p-nitrophenolate monohydrate (LLPNP) were grown in aqueous solution by the slow evaporation solution technique (SEST). The grown crystals were subjected to powder X-ray diffraction analysis, (PXRD) and it was found that the title compound was crystallized in the orthorhombic crystal system with noncentrosymmetric space group of P212121. The vibrational frequencies of various functional groups present in the crystal were analyzed using the FTIR spectrum with a wavenumber range between 450 cm−1 and 4000 cm−1. The microhardness analysis of the sample revealed that the crystal belongs to the soft material category. Piezoelectric analysis was performed to measure the value of the piezoelectric (d33) coefficient. Blue light emission of the material was confirmed using the photoluminescence spectrum. Thermal stability of the grown crystal was analyzed using a melting point apparatus and it was found that the LLPNP is stable upto 175∘C. Etching analysis was performed at various durations, in order to identify the surface properties of the LLPNP crystal.