Robust ferromagnetism in rare-earth and transition metal co-doped ZnO nanoparticles for spintronics applications

This work reports on the robust ferromagnetism at room temperature in co-precipitation derived rare-earth (Tb) and transition metal (Co) co-doped ZnO nanoparticles (NPs). X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis reveals the singlephase character. Morphological studies confirm the formation of spherical-shaped particles with different orientations separated by well-defined grain boundaries. The increase in oxygen vacancies is confirmed by photoluminescence (PL) spectra. The (Tb, Co) co-doped NPs exhibit room temperature ferromagnetic (RTFM) behavior, which has been discussed based on oxygen vacancies mediated magnetic polarons and the effect of grain boundaries.

Automated summary

This work reports on the robust ferromagnetism at room temperature in co-precipitation derived rare-earth (Tb) and transition metal (Co) co-doped ZnO nanoparticles. XRD analysis confirms the single-phase character, while morphological studies show the formation of spherical-shaped particles separated by well-defined grain boundaries. The increase in oxygen vacancies is confirmed through photoluminescence spectra. The (Tb, Co) co-doped NPs exhibit room temperature ferromagnetic behavior, which is discussed based on the role of oxygen vacancies and grain boundaries.