Magnetism in Sc-doped ZnO with zinc vacancies: A hybrid density functional and GGAÂ +Â U approaches

► Zn vacancies introduced in Sc doped ZnO is studied by DFT and GGA + U to determine its electronic and magnetic properties. ► Vacancies are responsible of stable magnetization of ZnO doped Sc. ► Possible room temperature ferromagnetism is evidenced in ZnO:Sc with Zn vacancies.