Unveiling room temperature ferromagnetism in Zinc(II)-picoline complex modified TiO2 for spintronic applications

Abstract

Ferromagnetic materials have long been a focal point of research due to their potential applications in spintronics, data storage, and magnetic sensors. In recent years, metal oxide semiconductors have garnered attention as promising candidates for ferromagnetism, thanks to their tunable properties and compatibility with existing semiconductor technologies. In this study, we present an organo-metallic complex of [Zn(pic)2Cl2] grafted onto TiO2 core-shell nanoparticles (NPs), resulting in the generation of ferromagnetic properties at room temperature. Additionally, we explore the affinity of the organo-metallic complex over the surface of nanocrystalline anatase TiO2 through adsorption analyses in an aqueous solution. The powder X-ray diffraction patterns confirm the crystallization of the samples in a typical anatase structure, exhibiting phase purity without any impurity phases. UV–visible studies reveal a slight decrease in the band gap due to the formation of a core-shell structure (Zn-TiO2 complex). Photoluminescence spectroscopic study demonstrates the presence of oxygen defect-related emission peaks in Zn-modified TiO2 NPs. Remarkably, all Zn-TiO2 samples exhibit room temperature ferromagnetic behavior, prepared with various contact time intervals. The results unequivocally demonstrate that even a small amount of surface substitution of the Zn-based organometallic complex on the TiO2 surface significantly enhances the room temperature ferromagnetic ordering. Understanding the unique characteristics of this material is vital to unlocking its potential applications and exploring its capabilities in the field of spintronics.