Role of Mn/Cr dual-doped ZnO nanoparticles of diluted magnetic semiconductors: influence on structural and electrical properties

Abstract

Sol-gel method was used to successfully produce dilute magnetic semiconductor ( Zn 1−x−y Mn x Cr y O) nanoparticles. Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and electrical conductivity tests were used to investigate the structural and electrical properties of the prepared samples. FTIR spectra are used to examine the functional chemical bonding properties of various elements and compounds found in materials. The dopant's incorporation into the ZnO framework structure is confirmed by FTIR spectra. The dominance of the Mn-O or Cr-O interaction in the Zn-O-Mn or Zn-O-Cr bonds may result from an increase in Mn or Cr concentration in the wurtzite structure, which could lead to structural stress and defects. Within the frequency range of 0.042 kHz-1 MHz and the temperature range of 298-573(K), the conductivity (σ ac ) was measured. The increase in conductivity values is more pronounced for samples with lower doping concentrations of Mn and Cr. The maximum σ ac value is reached in the sample with 1.5% Mn and 0.5% Cr. The maximum ɛʹ value reached in the sample with 10% Cr. The prepared samples are considered as candidates for semiconductor materials in electronic devices.