Enhanced ferromagnetism in nano-sized Zn0.95Mn0.05O grains

The present work reports ferromagnetism by doping magnetic Mn atoms in the diamagnetic ZnO matrix and the ferromagnetism has been extended up to 640 K in nano-grained Zn0.95Mn0.05O samples. The bulk and nano-grained samples were stabilized in hexagonal crystal structure with space group p63mc. The grain size and lattice strain of the samples were estimated from room temperature XRD spectrum. Surface morphology of the samples was examined at room temperature using SEM picture and EDX spectrum. The ferromagnetism of the bulk material shows enhancement in nano-grained samples, which was mainly due to the solution of Mn atoms into the lattice sites of ZnO by mechanical milling. The enhancement of magnetic moment and ferromagnetic ordering temperature with reduction in grain size has been understood in terms of the core–shell structure and existing theoretical models. The present work also demonstrated the role of surface spin disorder on the enhancement of ferromagnetism in Zn0.95Mn0.05O nanograins.