RKKY magnetic interactions in chemically synthesized Zn0.95−xFe0.05AlxO (x = 0, 0.03, 0.05, 0.07) nanocrystallites

Abstract

Chemically derived auto-combustion technique is employed to synthesize the Zn0.95−xFe0.05AlxO (x = 0, 0.03, 0.05, 0.07) nano-crystallites. The salient similarities between variations in lattice parameters, crystallite size, morphology, electrical resistivity and saturation magnetization designated a strong association between these properties. X-ray diffraction studies of all compositions revealed the phase pure wurtzite crystal structure with space group P63mc. The lattice parameters and crystallite size are changed with doping of Al attributed to the diversity in the size of ionic radii. Scanning electron micrographs revealed that Al doping affects the size and shape of grains in synthesized compositions. Temperature dependent electrical resistivity shows a decreased trend with the rise of temperature, confirming the semiconducting nature of compositions. The lower resistivity and enhanced saturation magnetization values in Al doped compositions correspond to the increase in density of carriers. Carrier mediated RKKY interactions are found to enhance magnetization.

Keywords

• Diluted magnetic semiconductors
• Auto-combustion
• Magnetic properties
• RKKY interactions