Synthesis of Nanosized Mn-Doped ZnO by Low Temperature Decomposition of Hydrozincite Precursors

Transition-metal-doped ZnO is considered a promising candidate for applications in spintronics. Here, we developed a novel and versatile synthetic route for obtaining impurity-free Mn-doped zinc oxide (Zn1−x Mn x O) materials with a well-controlled content of Mn, with x up to 1.8 atomic %. Zn1−x Mn x O is produced by thermal decomposition in reducing atmosphere of an inorganic precursor, Mn-doped hydrozincite. The materials are of high purity, as shown by detailed characterization. The obtained systems exhibit a spin-glass phase below 40 K together with a weak ferromagnetic ordering of the Mn dopants within the ZnO matrix.