Semimagnetic chalcogeneide Pb 1−x Co x Se nanocrystals were successfully synthesized by a fusion protocol in a glass matrix and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), magnetic force microscopy (MFM), and optical absorption (OA) techniques. XRD, TEM, and MFM measurements show that the as-produced Pb 1−x Co x Se magnetic nanocrystals are single phases, nanosized, and crystallized in rock-salt structures. The OA spectra and crystal field theory indicate that part of Co 2+ is incorporated in the tetrahedral site (T d ) into PbSe nanocrystals, presenting characteristic structures in the visible and near-IR electromagnetic spectral range. The crystal field strength and Racah parameters are estimated for the tetrahedral coordinated Co 2+ ions into PbSe nanocrystals.

Semimagnetic Bi2–x Mn x S3 nanocrystals (NCs) with a mean size of approximately 4.0 nm were successfully synthesized by fusion in a host glass and investigated by several experimental techniques. Transmission electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy/magnetic force microscopy images confirmed the growth of the Bi2–x Mn x S3 NC samples, showing uniform distribution of the total magnetic moment in the nanocrystals. X-ray diffraction measurements revealed that the as-produced nanocrystals are single-phase, nanosized, and crystallized in the orthorrombic structure and that Mn2+-ions had replaced Bi3+-ions. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectra of the doped samples showed six hyperfine lines associated with the S = 5/2 spin half-filled d-state and characteristic of Mn2+ ions. EPR spectra simulated compared fairly well with experimental results and indicated the incorporation of Mn2+ ions in the core and surface in Bi2–x Mn x S3 NCs.

Glass‐embedded Cd1−xCoxS quantum dots (QDs) with mean radius of R ≈ 1.70 nm were successfully synthesized by a novel protocol on the basis of the melting‐nucleation synthesis route and herein investigated by several experimental techniques. Incorporation of Co2+ ions into the QD lattice was evidenced by X‐ray diffraction and magnetic force microscopy results. Optical absorption features with irregular spacing in the ligand field region confirmed that the majority of the incorporated Co2+ ions are under influence of a low‐symmetry crystal field located near to the Cd1−xCoxS QD surface. Electron paramagnetic resonance data confirmed the presence of Co2+ ions in a highly inhomogeneous crystal field environment identified at the interface between the hosting glass matrix (amorphous) and the crystalline QD. The acoustic‐optical phonon coupling in the Cd1−xCoxS QDs (x ≠ 0.000) was directly observed by Raman measurements, which have shown a high‐frequency shoulder of the longitudinal optical phonon peak. This effect is tuned by the size‐dependent sp‐d exchange interaction due to the magnetic doping, causing variations in the coupling between electrons and longitudinal optical phonon. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

ZnO nanocrystals were biocompatible, well tolerated and allowed new bone formation and bone remodelling.

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