Zinc oxide nanoparticles doped with transition metals have great potential as dilute magnetic semi-conductors. As magnetic semiconductors they could have use in spintronic devices that utilize the magnetic spins of electrons to store and transfer electronic information. We synthesized these nanoparticles in a low temperature methanolic solution. The percentage of the dopant metal in solution was adjusted to 1,2,3,5,7 and 10 percent to increase the amount of dopant that was incorporated into the nanoparticles. Effects of the transition metal doping on the magnetism, band gap and UV absorption of the nanoparticles were documented for the varied percentages. Through x-ray diffraction, and ICP spectroscopy we have determined that Ni2+, Mn2+ and Co2+ were successfully incorporated in to the zinc oxide wurtzite structure, resulting in nanoparticles ranging in size from 8 to 13 nm. The synthesized nanoparticles also demonstrate a self-assembly into spheres of one to two microns in size. 

Zinc oxide nanoparticles doped with Co, Ni and Mn as dilute magnetic semiconductors

243rd National Meeting (2012)

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