Photoluminescence and Magnetic Enhancement in ZnSe Quantum Dots Via Controlled Cobalt Doping
Abstract
Co2+ ion-doped ZnSe semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) were synthesized in aqueous solution using starch as a surface stabilizer to ensure nanoparticle dispersion. Structural and compositional analyses using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) confirmed the successful incorporation of Co2+ ions into the ZnSe matrix. XRD and UV-visible absorption spectroscopy were used to determine the crystalline structure, lattice parameters, and particle sizes of Co-doped ZnSe QDs. The optical properties were analyzed using absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy, revealing a blue shift in the absorption peak with increasing Co concentration due to quantum confinement effects and changes in particle size. Photoluminescence (PL) analysis revealed dual emission peaks, corresponding to band-to-band recombination and Co-related defect states, with maximum luminescence efficiency observed at the 9% Co doping level. Beyond this concentration, the quenching effects attributed to the Co-Co interactions reduced the fluorescence intensity. Magnetic hysteresis measurements demonstrated that the Co-doped ZnSe QDs exhibited room-temperature ferromagnetism, with saturation magnetization increasing with co-doping concentrations of up to 12%. The ferromagnetic properties were ascribed to the exchange interactions between the Co2+ ions and the ZnSe matrix.
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