Structure, composition and enhanced magnetic properties of novel ternary multicore-shell Ni-Co-Cr nanoclusters prepared by one-step inert gas condensation method

• We have synthesized ternary Ni-Co-Cr nanoclusters using one step method by simultaneous sputtering of metallic targets through inert gas condensation (IGC) deposition process. The difference in surface energy between the component atoms creates a preferential surface phase leading to the formation of multi core/shell structures. Surface structure and composition analysis reveal metallic and oxide phases characterized by extraordinary 1.43 mu m periodicity strong magnetic stripe domains with weak magnetic force microscopy signal attenuation up to a lift height value of 2.5 mu m. In addition, the ternary nanoclusters exhibit strong ferromagnetic behavior below the blocking temperature of 139 K with coercivity of 700 Oe at 4 K. The enhanced magnetic properties are attributed to Volmer-Weber growth mechanism and pave a facile way for preparing ternary core/ shell magnetic structures needed for applications which require strong magnetic anisotropy along their growth direction.

Subject headings

NATURVETENSKAP  -- Fysik -- Den kondenserade materiens fysik (hsv//swe)

NATURAL SCIENCES  -- Physical Sciences -- Condensed Matter Physics (hsv//eng)

Keyword

Nanoclusters

Core

shell

Magnetic

Ferromagnetic

Inert gas condensation

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)