Phonon spectra and magnetic behaviors of hydrothermally synthesized Sm-doped ZnO nanorods

► Zn1−xSmxO nanorods have been prepared by hydrothermal method at 90 °C. ► Growth rate of the nanorods is obviously suppressed by Sm doping. ► Doping of Sm in the nanorods increases the doping-induced defects. ► Saturation magnetization increases as Sm content increases.