Analysis of structural, morphological and magnetic properties of diluted magnetic semiconductor ZnO:Eu obtained by combustion reaction

Abstract Eu-doped semiconductor matrix of ZnO at concentrations of 0.05 and 0.10 mols was synthesized by combustion reaction, using zinc nitrate, europium nitrate, and urea as fuel. In order to analyze the effect of europium concentration and sintering on the structure, band gap, magnetic and morphological properties of ZnO, the samples were sintered at 1100 °C for 30 min and analyzed before and after sintering via X-ray diffraction, ultraviolet and visible spectroscopy, vibrant sample magnetometry, and scanning electron microscopy. From the results obtained, it was found that there was the formation of the semiconductor phase ZnO and also a second-phase (Eu2O3). It was observed that the samples before and after sintering presented band gap values within the semiconductor range and ferromagnetism at room temperature.