Perfect spin-filter devices based on zigzag zinc oxide nanoribbons

Abstract

Spin-polarized electron transport through a zigzag zinc oxide nanoribbon (ZnONR) has been studied using first-principles transport simulations. Ribbons without edges passivated show 100% spin polarization at small bias voltage independently of width. The ribbons with edge zinc atoms passivated maintain absolute spin-filtering effect in much larger bias region. The results demonstrate that zigzag ZnONRs act as perfect spin-filters in the absence of magnetic electrodes and external fields.