Ferromagnetism in Mn-doped GaN nanocrystals prepared solvothermally at low temperatures

Abstract

3% and 5% Mn-doped GaN nanocrystals of different sizes, with the average diameters in the range of 4–18nm, have been prepared by two independent routes under solvothermal conditions starting with two different precursors. The reaction temperature was around 350°C in all the preparations. The nanocrystals so prepared exhibit ferromagnetism with magnetization (M) and Curie temperature (TC) values increasing with percent of Mn and particle size. The observation of ferromagnetism in Mn-doped GaN nanocrystals prepared at relatively low temperatures is of significance in understanding this potential in spintronics materials.