Transition Metal (Mn-Fe-Ni) Triple-Doped Zn3P2 Diluted Magnetic Semiconductor Nanoparticles: Synthesis and Structural, Optical, and Magnetic Properties

In this study, we synthesized manganese-, iron-, and nickel-doped zinc phosphide-diluted magnetic semiconducting nanoparticles, Zn3-(x+y+z) MnxFeyNizP2 (x = y = 0.01 and z = 0.06, 0.08, and 0. 10), using a standard solid-state reaction technique followed by a vacuum annealing process. Our study examined the magnetic, optical, photoluminescence, and structural features of Zn3P2 nanoparticles doped with Mn, Fe, and Ni. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed a single-phase tetragonal structure across all samples, with lattice parameters decreasing from a = 8.133 & Aring; and c = 11.559 & Aring; to a = 8.054 & Aring; and c = 11.045 & Aring; as the Mn-Fe-Ni content increased. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) imaging showed particle agglomeration with increased diameter upon doping, while energy-dispersive x-ray analysis (EDAX) confirmed the target stoichiometry without impurities. Ultraviolet-visible-near-infrared (UV-Vis-NIR) spectroscopy indicated an increase in the optical bandgap from 1.403 eV to 1.416 eV as the dopant content increased. Photoluminescence investigations revealed ultraviolet, indigo, and blue emissions in their emission spectra at different intensities. Vibrating-sample magnetometer (VSM) measurements confirmed clear room-temperature ferromagnetic behavior with increasing dopant concentration. The saturation magnetization increased from 0.0911 emu/g to 0.2280 emu/g. Based on the magnetic moment found in these investigations, Zn3P2 nanoparticles doped with Mn, Fe, and Ni may be a valuable material in semiconductor spintronics.