Effect of Ni substitution on structural, morphological and magnetic properties of Zn1-xNixO nanorods

We report the preparation of Zn1-xNixO nanorods through a chemical route using microwave irradiation. The obtained Zn1-xNixO nanorods were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Raman spectroscopy and magnetization measurements. XRD and TEM results showed that the Zn1-xNixO nanorods have single phase nature with wurtzite structure and Ni was successfully incorporated at Zn site into the ZnO. The shape of the nanorods changed from hexagon (length ∼1.5 μm, diameter ∼200 nm) to pencil like tip (length ∼1 μm, diameter ∼80 nm) by only changing the Ni content from 1% to 3% in ZnO. Concerning the Raman scattering spectra, the modification in the intensity of E2high mode and sub-band edge emissions provides enough evidence for the existence of intrinsic defects associated with the O atoms. Magnetic measurement results revealed that Zn1-xNixO nanorods show the well-defined ferromagnetic features at room temperature and the value of Ms increased with the increase of Ni concentration.

► Zn1-xNixO nanorods using microwave irradiation have been prepared. ► XRD and TEM results revealed the single phase nature of Zn1-xNixO nanorods. ► The shape of the nanorods changed from hexagon to pencil like tip by only changing the Ni content from 1% to 3% in ZnO. ► Modification in the intensity of E2high mode and sub-band edge emissions by doping of Ni into ZnO. ► Zn1-xNixO nanorods show room temperature ferromagnetism and the value of Ms increased with the increase of Ni concentration.