Abstract
We present a systemic study on the structural, thermal and magnetic properties of Zn1−xMnxO nanoparticles synthesized by a combustion method with heavily Mn doping concentrations x=0.05, 0.15 and 0.25. The structural evolutions in relation to the possible variation of the Mn oxidation state and dopant induced tiny Zn2MnO4/Mn2O3 and ZnMnO3/MnO2 impurities, which have not been detected by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), were investigated by means of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Raman scattering spectra, thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA) and magnetic measurements. It is evidenced that the optimal Mn concentration x in ZnO to grow single phase Zn1−xMnxO should be below the cation percolation threshold xp (about 0.125), which is the basis to form real diluted magnetic semiconductors (DMSs).
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
