Effects of N2O plasma treatment on magnetic properties of (Zn, Mn)O nanorods

We report the distinct enhancement of ferromagnetic ordering of (Zn, Mn) O nanorods by N2O plasma treatment. The vertically well-aligned (Zn, Mn) O nanorods were synthesized by a chemical vapour deposition. No precipitates were found in the nanorods. After N2O plasma treatment, oxygen concentration and the number of substitutional Mn atoms occupying Zn sites significantly increased. These led to the formation of Zn interstitials acting as shallow donors and the enhancement of crystallinity, resulting in the increase of magnetic moment.