Structure and Magnetism of Nanocrystalline KδMnO2

Abstract

AbstractThe structure and magnetic properties of sol-gel-synthesized, nanocrystalline KσMnO2 were investigated. The nanoparticles were determined by x-ray diffraction and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy to be single-crystal rods of the cryptomelane phase of MnO2, with a typical particle size of 6 nm × 20 nm. The field and temperature dependence of the magnetization indicates superparamagnetic behavior, with a blocking temperature of 15K. The dependence of the magnetic properties on particle size, surface layers and mixed valency is discussed.