Synthesis and magnetic properties of Zn1−xMnxO films prepared by the sol–gel method

We report on the ferromagnetic characteristics of Zn1−xMnxO films (x=0.1–0.3) prepared by the sol–gel method on silicon substrates using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffractometry (XRD) and superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) magnetometry at various temperatures. Magnetic measurement show that the Curie temperature (TC) and the coercive field (HC) were ∼39 K and ∼2100 Oe for the film of x=0.2, respectively. EDS and TEM measurements indicate that Mn content at the interface is significantly higher than that at the center of the Zn0.8Mn0.2O film showing the ratio, Zn:Mn:O≅1:12:15. This experimental evidence suggests that ferromagnetic precipitates containing manganese oxide may be responsible for the observed ferromagnetic behavior of the film.