Enhanced Magnetic and Optoelectronic Properties of Cu-Doped ZnO: Mn Nanoparticles Synthesized by Solution Combustion Technique

Abstract

Nano-ZnO and ZnO doped with Cu: Mn samples (Mn = 2% and Cu = 2% and 4%) have been synthesized by combustion synthesis. The effect of Cu content (Cu/Mn co-dopant) on the structural, optical, and magnetic properties has been studied. X-ray diffraction studies revealed hexagonal Wurtzite structure, and the particle size is around 36–18 nm. From scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis, morphology of all the samples was spherical in shape with high porous structure. The elemental composition of the synthesized samples was investigated using energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX), which confirmed the presence of selective elements in the samples near stoichiometric ratio. FTIR spectra confirmed the presence of functional groups in synthesized samples. From UV–Vis absorbance spectra, blue shift is observed with increasing dopant concentration. From VSM studies, the enhanced magnetization properties were observed in doped samples. From photoluminescence (PL) studies, decrease in rate of recombination of electron–hole pairs is observed. The simultaneous enrichment of magnetic and optical properties of Cu doped ZnO: Mn nanoparticles can be used in future spintronic and optoelectronic devices.