Engineering magnetic anisotropy in ZnO via ZrC incorporation: A route toward EMI shielding materials

ZrC–ZnO composites with varying concentrations of ZrC were successfully synthesized via a cost-effective wet chemical method. Structural, morphological, chemical, and magnetic characterizations were carried out using x-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and vibrating sample magnetometry. The results confirm that increasing the ZrC content modifies the behavior of ZnO without inducing secondary phase formation. XPS analysis confirmed the Zn2+ oxidation state and demonstrated that ZrC incorporation alters the chemical environment and oxygen vacancy concentration in ZnO, impacting its electronic and magnetic properties. Notably, the inclusion of ZrC leads to enhanced magnetic anisotropy and alters the magnetic properties of the composites. A gradual decline in saturation magnetization was observed, from 3.67 × 10−3 μB/f.u. for pure ZnO (Z0) to 2.83 × 10−3 μB/f.u. for the ZrC-rich composite (Z3). Coercivity also decreased, from 2.14 × 10−2 T for Z0 to 1.06 × 10−2 T for Z3. These trends suggest that ZrC incorporation influences magnetic behavior, potentially through modifications in spin interactions or structural changes within the ZnO matrix. At elevated magnetic fields, the composites follow the law of approach to saturation, with fitted saturation values aligning closely with experimental data. Overall, these findings highlight the potential of ZrC–ZnO composites in tuning magnetic properties, making them strong candidates for electromagnetic interference shielding applications.