Structural and magnetic properties of chemically synthesized Fe doped ZnO.

We report on the synthesis of Fe-doped ZnO with nominal composition of Zn_0.99Fe_0.01O by using a coprecipitation method. X-ray diffraction and selective area electron diffraction studies reveal a single phase wurtzite crystal structure without any secondary phase. Field emission transmission electron microscopy measurements infer that Zn_0.99Fe_0.01O have nanorod-type microstructures. Magnetic hysteresis measurement performed at different temperatures show that Zn_0.99Fe_0.01O exhibits a weak ferromagnetic behavior at room temperature. A detailed investigation of the electronic and local structure using O K-, Fe L_3,2 near edge x-ray absorption fine structure suggests that Fe is substituting Zn in ZnO matrix and is in Fe³⁺ state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]