Spinel ferrite nanocrystals embedded inside ZnO: Magnetic, electronic, and magnetotransport properties

In this paper we show that spinel ferrite nanocrystals (NiFe₂O₄, and CoFe₂O₄) can be texturally embedded inside a ZnO matrix by ion implantation and postannealing. The two kinds of ferrites show different magnetic properties, e.g., coercivity and magnetization. Anomalous Hall effect and positive magnetoresistance have been observed. Our study suggests a ferrimagnet/semiconductor hybrid system for potential applications in magnetoelectronics. This hybrid system can be tuned by selecting different transition-metal ions (from Mn to Zn) to obtain various magnetic and electronic properties.