Nanoparticles of Ni in ZnO single crystal matrix

• Published in: The European physical journal. B, Condensed matter physics Vol. 86; no. 6
• Main Authors: Borges, R.P., Ribeiro, B., Cruz, M.M., Godinho, M., Wahl, U., da Silva, R.C., Gonçalves, A.P., Magén, C.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Berlin/Heidelberg Springer-Verlag 01.06.2013; EDP Sciences; Springer
• Subjects: Complex Systems; Condensed Matter Physics; Condensed matter: electronic structure, electrical, magnetic, and optical properties; Exact sciences and technology; Ferromagnetism; Fluid- and Aerodynamics; Magnetic properties and materials; Magnetic properties of nanostructures; Physics; Physics and Astronomy; Regular Article; Solid State Physics; Zinc oxide; Mesoscopic and Nanoscale Systems; Particle size; Ion implantation; RBS; Channeling; Magnetization; Superparamagnetism; XRD; Magnetic nanomaterial; Nanoparticles; Monocrystals; Magnetic particles; Transmission electron microscopy; Nanocomposites; Zinc oxide; Nickel
• ISSN: 1434-6028; 1434-6036
• DOI: 10.1140/epjb/e2013-40008-5

Magnetic nanoparticles were produced in ZnO single crystals using ion implantation of Ni along the [0001] channelling direction of ZnO. The particles were identified by X-ray diffraction and magnetization measurements as a distribution of superparamagnetic nickel nanoparticles having diameters in the range 2 − 3 nm. The depth distribution and size of the particles were determined using Rutherford backscattering spectrometry (RBS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The obtained results agree with magnetization and X-ray diffraction (XRD) data. From the determined depth distribution, the density change of implanted region of the material modified by the implantation procedure was estimated.