Engineered ZnO nanostructures for spintronic applications via TM (Fe, Co, Ni) and RE (Er, Yb) Co-doping

Abstract In the current study, the magnetic, dielectric, and structural properties of Er 3+ and Er 3+ /Yb 3+ co-doped Zn 0.88 Fe 0.05 Co 0.06 Ni 0.01 O nanocomposites were thoroughly investigated to identify their potential applications. The sol-gel method was employed to synthesize the nanocomposites, while their structural characteristics were analyzed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Changes in crystallinity, lattice parameters, and crystallite size (D) resulted from the successful incorporation of Fe, Co, Ni, Er, and Yb ions into the ZnO nanostructure. According to the TEM images, the nanoparticles (NPs) exhibit both spherical and hexagonal shapes, with sizes ranging from 15 to 25 nm, which aligns well with the XRD results. The dielectric properties were investigated using an impedance analyzer, which revealed a decreased dielectric constant (ε‘) and dielectric loss (tan δ) over a wide frequency range. Magnetic measurements conducted using a vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) revealed ferromagnetic behavior resulting from dopant incorporation, indicating the material’s suitability for spintronic and electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding applications. The observed structural and functional properties were closely linked to dopant concentrations and microstructural development, providing valuable insight into the versatility of ZnO-based nanocomposites. These results demonstrate the potential of Er 3+ and Er 3+ /Yb 3+ co-doped Zn 0.88 Fe 0.05 Co 0.06 Ni 0.01 O nanocomposites for advanced magnetic and electronic applications. Graphical Abstract