Optical, magnetic and dielectric properties of ZnO:Y nanoparticles synthesized by hydrothermal method

Y3+ ions doped zinc oxide nanoparticles were prepared by hydrothermal method. The desired nanocrystalline phase and intrinsic defects inside the host ZnO nanoparticles was obtained by taking the as prepared samples, doped with different Y3+ ion concentrations, at 400 °C for 6 h in vacuum atmosphere. The crystallinity and morphology of all the samples were investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). Atomic vibrational mode of the samples has been investigated by FTIR spectroscopy. The formation of oxygen vacancy and the trapping of electron in Y3+ ions doped ZnO nanorods were also confirmed by PL and Raman analysis which are very useful for the determination of different types of defect in the sample. Magnetic measurement shows the presence of room temperature ferromagnetism in the samples which has been successfully explained by the vacancy assisted bound magnetic polaron model. Frequency as well as temperature dependent dielectric constant of the samples was also investigated. High value of dielectric constant in the Y3+ ions doped ZnO sample was obtained.