Bound magnetic polarons induced ferromagnetism in transition-metal-doped oxide nanostructures

One dimensional (1D) oxide nanostructures such as nanowires (NWs) are strategically important for both basic science and technological applications. These emerging nanomaterials have demonstrated superb physical properties. In particular, nanowires of wide band gap semiconductors are promising as building blocks in optoelectronic and transparent electronics, and doping with transition metals can result in ferromagnetism. Here we report on the synthesis of ZnO, In₂O₃ nanostructures and their doped counterparts. Their physical properties have been measured systematically and they show great potential in electronic and spintronic applications.