Using ab initio calculations on Zn_0.975–𝑥Fe_0.025Cu_𝑥O (𝑥 = 0, 0.01, 0.02, 0.05), we study the variations of magnetic moments vs Cu concentration. The electronic structure is calculated by using the Korringa–Kohn–Rostoker (KKR) method combined with coherent potential approximation (CPA). We show that the total magnetic moment and magnetic moment of Fe increase on increasing Cu content. From the density of state (DOS) analysis, we show that Cu-induced impurity bands can assure, by two mechanisms, the enhancement of Fe magnetic moment in Zn_0.975–𝑥Fe_0.025Cu_𝑥O.

By $ab-initio$ calculations, the possible source of ferromagnetism in N-doped ZnO compound was systematically studied. The electronic structure and magnetic properties of N-doped ZnO with/without ZnO host and N defects were investigated using the Korringa–Kohn–Rostoker method combined with coherent potential approximation. It was shown that Zn vacancy and the presence of N defects (substitutional, interstitial or combination of both) induce the ferromagnetism in N-doped ZnO. From density of state analysis, it was shown that p–p interaction between 2p-elements (N,O) is the mechanism of ferromagnetic coupling in N-doped ZnO.