Structural, optical and magnetic properties of Mn2+ doped ZnO-CdS composite nanopowder.

Chemical precipitation method was used for the synthesis of Mn 2+ doped ZnO-CdS composite nanopowder. The effect of Mn 2+ doping was investigated on their structural, optical and magnetic properties. XRD pattern reveals the hexagonal phase of ZnO as well as CdS and the average crystallite size is found to be 18 nm. The morphological studies show non-uniformly distributed spherical like structures with little agglomeration. Crystal field and interelectronic repulsion parameters are evaluated from optical absorption study. EPR spectrum exhibits a well resolved sextet at g = 1.9924. By correlating optical and EPR studies, Mn 2+ ions occupy octahedral sites in the host lattice which is also confirmed by PL analysis. From 1931 CIE chromaticity diagram, the prepared sample exhibits orange-red emission. IR spectrum confirms the existence of Zn-O and Cd-S vibrational modes. Room temperature ferromagnetism is observed in the prepared sample. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]