Non-magnetic doping induced magnetism in Li doped SnO2 nanoparticles

We address the possibility of non-magnetic doping induced magnetism, in Li doped SnO2 nano-particles. The compounds have been prepared by solid state route at equilibrium and were found to be crystallized in single rutile phase. The magnetization measurements have shown that Li-doping induces magnetism in SnO2 for a particular range of Li concentration. However, for other Li concentrations, including pure SnO2, the samples exhibit diamagnetism. To investigate the possible origin of the induced magnetism, we have studied the variation of the magnetization as a function of the average nano-particle radius. Possible scenarios for the appearance of magnetism in these compounds are discussed.