Diluted magnetic semiconductors based on Mn-doped In2O3 nanoparticles

Here we report a novel pathway for the synthesis of Indium oxide and Mn(III)-doped indium oxide nanoparticles (NPs) from mechanochemical activation in absence of basic medium. Nps similar to 8 nm were obtained after annealing the powder precursor in air at 400 degrees C for 1 h. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis and high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM) reveal that the Nps are single-phase cubic structure of In2O3. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman, and ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectra suggest the In(III) substitution by Mn(III). Photoluminescence (PL) and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectra show clear evidence of paramagnetic centers as oxygen and indium defects. This synthesis pathway is particularly suitable for large-scale and high-quality of semiconductor metallic oxide nanoparticles production due to its simple process and low cost. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.