X-ray and electron spectroscopy investigation of the core–shell nanowires of ZnO:Mn

ZnO/ZnO:Mn core–shell nanowires were studied by means of X-ray absorption spectroscopy of the Mn K- and L2,3-edges and electron energy loss spectroscopy of the O K-edge. The combination of conventional X-ray and nanofocused electron spectroscopies together with advanced theoretical analysis turned out to be fruitful for the clear identification of the Mn phase in the volume of the core–shell structures. Theoretical simulations of spectra, performed using the full-potential linear augmented plane wave approach, confirm that the shell of the nanowires, grown by the pulsed laser deposition method, is a real dilute magnetic semiconductor with Mn2+ atoms at the Zn sites, while the core is pure ZnO.

► ZnO/ZnO:Mn core–shell nanowires have been grown by the pulsed laser deposition. ► XANES and EELS study of Mn phases and space distribution. ► Mn2+ ions in the shell region of nanowires occupy Zn sites. ► Small charge transfer and lattice distortions occur after MnZn substitution.