Characterization of (Mn, Co)-Codoped ZnO Nanorods Prepared by Thermal Diffusion

We prepared (Mn, Co)-codoped ZnO nanorods by thermal diffusion using pure ZnO nanorods, Mn and Co fragments as precursors. Detailed investigations of X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy, photoluminescence and Raman scattering spectroscopy revealed the incorporation of dopants Mn and Co into the ZnO host lattice. This did not change much the lattice parameters of ZnO, and not lead to the development of secondary phases related to the dopants. Compared with magnetic behaviors of two reference samples of Mn- and Co-doped ZnO nanorods, we observed the decrease of magnetic ordering in (Mn, Co)-codoped ZnO nanorods. This could be explained that magnetic interaction between Mn and Co ions is antiferromagnetic.