Exploring the structural, optical, and magnetic properties of Ni-doped ZnO nanoparticles synthesized via microwave irradiation

Nickel-doped zinc-oxide nanoparticles are synthesized by the solvothermal method at different doping concentrations (x = 0.02, 0.04, 0.06, and 0.08). The structural properties of undoped and nickel-doped zinc oxide nanoparticles are carried out. X-ray diffraction analysis confirms the hexagonal wurtzite structure (belonging to the space group p63mc) and optical properties are analyzed through UV-visible, Fourier-transformed infrared, and hotoluminescence. Energy bandgap values are found using the Tauc plot method. The Lande splitting factor is calculated using EPR analysis. Magnetic properties of the sample are measured using a vibrating sample magnetometer at room temperature. It is observed that their behavior changes from paramagnetic to superparamagnetic structure with an increase in their doping values. In the large saturation magnetization, it is very suitable for magnetic storage device applications.