Defect formation and magnetic properties of carbon-doped ZnO nanowires by the first principles

Theoretical calculation based on density functional theory (DFT) and local density approximation (LDA) with Hubbard parameters has been carried out in studying defect formation energy, transition energy and ferromagnetism of carbon-doped ZnO nanowires (NW). The formation and ionization characteristics of the defects [CO (B), CO (S), CZn (B), VO (B), VZn (B), IO (oct) and IZn (oct)] in ZnO NW are analyzed in the text. Ferromagnetic (FM) and antiferromagnetic (AFM) coupling between C atoms are also investigated by 9 different configurations. The FM and AFM stability are explained by the interaction of C energy level. In addition, the vacancies [VO (B) and VZn (B)] and interstitials [IO (oct) and IZn (oct)] affecting the FM coupling are also investigated. It is found that magnetic moment of C 2p can be mediated by these defects.

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► The formation and transition energies of the defects in C doped ZnO NW are analyzed.
► The FM and AFM coupling between C atoms are investigated.
► The FM and AFM stability are explained by the interaction of C energy level.
► It is found that the magnetic moment of C can be mediated by the defects.