Control of ferromagnetism in Fe-doped In2O3 by carbothermal annealing

Fe-doped In2O3 powders were prepared using the sol–gel method. Solubility of Fe ions in the In2O3 host compound reached up to 50%. Lattice constant decreased linearly as Fe doping concentration increased, indicating that Fe ions were incorporated into the host lattice and occupied the In sites. Ferromagnetism could be obtained from the samples with carbothermal annealing. The dependence of ferromagnetism on the carbon dosage was observed. The greater the carbon dosage, the higher the concentration of oxygen vacancies (Vo) created, and the more robust the ferromagnetism.

Research Highlights
► Solubility of Fe ions in the In2O3 host compound reached up to 50%.
► Ferromagnetism can be induced by carbothermal annealing.
► Ferromagnetism is related to the content of oxygen vacancies.
► The dependence of ferromagnetism on the carbon dosage was observed.