Influence of Li codoping on the stability of ferromagnetism in Co-doped ZnO

We investigate the effects of Li codoping on the electronic and magnetic properties of transition metal-doped ZnO using X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS), magnetic circular dichroism (XMCD), and magnetic Compton profile analyses. Our findings reveal that Co doping with an 8% concentration of Li enhances the electronic structure of ZnO:Co over a wide temperature range while stabilizing the magnetic interactions with magnetic moments ∼ 3 . 00 μ B . XAS results highlight the importance of Li in tuning the magnetic interaction through modifications of the spin and orbital contributions, which are essential for achieving high-performance magnetic devices. These findings provide a robust framework for future experimental and theoretical studies aimed at tailoring the properties of ferromagnetic semiconductors for future technological applications. • Ferromagnetism in Co-doped ZnO is enhanced by Li codoping. • Li codoping boosts ZnO’s electronic and magnetic properties with 3.00 μ B moments. • Spin contributions dominates magnetic interactions from form factor analysis. • Co 3d spin exchange interactions drive ferromagnetic ordering in the system.