Tuning magnetic properties of CeO2 by Fe doping via an electrochemical deposition route

Herein Ce(1-x)Fe(x)O(2-δ) nanocomposites were investigated for dilute magnetic semiconductor (DMS) properties. Ce(1-x)Fe(x)O(2-δ) nanospheres and porous nanostructures with high surface areas have been successfully prepared by electrochemical deposition at room temperature and atmospheric pressure. The structures and morphologies of Ce(1-x)Fe(x)O(2-δ) deposits were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and N(2) adsorption-desorption techniques. The magnetic properties of the prepared Ce(1-x)Fe(x)O(2-δ) nanospheres and porous nanostructures were studied, and they showed room-temperature ferromagnetism and giant magnetic moments. In addition, the effects of morphologies and compositions on the magnetic properties of Ce(1-x)Fe(x)O(2-δ) deposits were studied.