ZnO films prepared by radio frequency magnetron sputtering were singly or sequentially implanted with 120 keV Fe ions at a fluence of 5 x 10(16) ions/cm(2) and 20 keV C ions at a fluence of 3 x 10(15) ions/cm(2). Magnetic and optical properties as well as structures of the films have been investigated using various techniques. Magnetic measurements show that the as-deposited ZnO film presents room temperature ferromagnetism. Single Fe or C ion implantation has no contribution to enhancement in the film magnetism, while magnetic moment increases distinctly in the Fe and C ions sequentially implanted film. Results from structural measurements reveal that Fe nanoparticles are formed in the Fe singly implanted ZnO film. The post C implantation induces dissolution of Fe nanoparticles and promotes Fe atoms to substitute Zn atoms in the lattice. Based on the structural results, the effect of magnetic enhancement has been tentatively interpreted. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.