Synthesis and structural and magnetic characterization of Ni(core)/NiO(shell) nanoparticles

A size series of ligand-stabilized Ni nanoparticles (NPs) with diameters between 8-24 nm was prepared by solution chemistry, followed by solution-phase oxidation with atmospheric oxygen at 200 degrees C to form Ni(core)/NiO(shell) NPs with shell thicknesses of 2-3 nm. In comparison with the oxidation of Fe and Co NPs, Ni NPs require higher temperatures for significant conversion to NiO. Transmission electron microscopy and electron diffraction show polycrystalline cores with predominantly amorphous shells. SQUID magnetometry measurements were performed to assess the effects of coupling between the ferromagnetic Ni cores and antiferromagnetic NiO shells. After intentional oxidation, the Ni(core)/NiO(shell) NPs have decreased superparamagnetic blocking temperatures (T(B)) and no exchange shift (H(EB)), but a small enhancement in the coercivity (H(C)) signifies weak exchange bias. These effects originate from the amorphous structure of the NiO shells and their thin layer thickness that renders the NiO moments incapable of pinning the core moment in moderate applied fields. The magnetocrystalline anisotropy constants before and after oxidation approach the value for bulk Ni and depend on the Ni core size and NiO shell thickness.