Magnetic and optical property studies on cubic Gd3Fe5−xCoxO12 nanogarnets for spintronicsElectronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c8ce00082d

• Main Authors: Ilanchezhiyan, P, Mohan Kumar, G, Siva, C, Madhan Kumar, A, Yuldashev, Shavkat U, Kwon, Y. H, Kang, T. W
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 21.05.2018
• ISSN: 1466-8033
• DOI: 10.1039/c8ce00082d

Investigations on wide band gap nanocrystalline magnetic materials are the subject of recent research interest for establishing functional spin-based nanodevices. In this regard, gadolinium-based rare earth garnets (Gd 3 Fe 5− x Co x O 12 ) were processed in the form of nanostructures by a facile chemical route involving high-temperature annealing treatments. The garnet configuration and the existence of secondary phase characteristics were identified using Raman and X-ray diffraction analysis, respectively. The average size of the nanoparticles was estimated to be around 50-60 nm using Scherrer's formula and further confirmed using scanning/transmission electron microscopy imaging techniques. The wide band gap of Gd 3 Fe 5− x Co x O 12 systems was studied using the Tauc plot extracted from UV-vis absorbance measurements. A broad luminescence was also observed along the ultraviolet and green regions of the photoluminescence spectrum, which was attributed to the intermediate defect levels existing within the band gap of the material. The electrochemical characteristics of the Gd 3 Fe 5− x Co x O 12 nanostructures were further identified using the Nyquist-type impedance plots. Additionally, the saturation magnetization observed in the room-temperature magnetic ( M - H ) measurements was attributed to the complex magnetic structure of the garnet. Finally, in the present study, the investigation results suggest Gd 3 Fe 5− x Co x O 12 as an ideal candidate for applications in magneto-optical devices and spintronics. Gadolinium-based rare earth garnets were processed in the form of nanostructures and studied for their optical and magnetic properties at room-temperature.