Structural, morphological and magnetic analysis of Cd–Co–S dilute magnetic semiconductor nanofilms

Abstract Cd 1− x Co x S dilute magnetic semiconductor nanofilms (0≤ x ≤0.08 at%) deposited by chemical bath deposition have been investigated using grazing angle x-ray diffraction, atomic force microscopy and vibrating sample magnetometer. The introduction of Co 2+ ions in CdS structure induces structural disorders and hence, results in degradation of crystallinity. The crystallite size, interplanar spacing and lattice parameter ratio decrease with increasing Co 2+ concentration in CdS. The diamagnetic state of CdS disappears with increase in Co concentration and films with x >0.02 exhibit ferromagnetism. This may be explained in terms of the spin–orbit interactions and Co 2+ ion induced the lattice defects and phase separation.