Abstract
We report the magnetic, electronic, and structural properties of nano-composite (Co84Zr16)Nx or CZN films prepared by reactive co-sputter deposition method. As-deposited CZN films have shown enhancement in magnetization (Ms) with incorporation of nitrogen content, which is related to the evolution of nano-composite phase. X-ray diffraction study has confirmed poly-crystalline growth of CZN films with fcc(331) and fcc(422) phases. High-resolution transmission electron microscope study reveals that CZN films are composed of ordered and crystalline ferromagnetic Co nano-clusters, which are embedded in the nano-composite matrix. Photoemission measurements show the change in the intensity near the Fermi level most likely due to defects and shift in the core-levels binding energy with nitrogen concentration. Raman spectroscopy data show an increase in the intensity of the Raman lines with nitrogen concentration upto 20%. However, the intensity is significantly lower for 30% sample. This indicates that less nitrogen or defect states are being substituted into the lattice above 20% and is consistent with the observed magnetic behavior. Our studies indicate that defects induced due to the incorporation of non-magnetic nitrogen content play a key role to enhance the magnetization.
Highlights
Nano-sized magnetic composites and nano-structures[1,2] have attracted much attention both in fundamental and practical applications because they exhibit novel phenomenon when scaled in nanometer range.[1,2] The magnetic behavior such as, particle magnetic anisotropy control, switching actions, power conversion and efficient heat induction depends on individual constituents and mutual interaction between constituting nano-species.[1,3] The intrinsic physical and chemical properties are mainly determined by particle shape, size and structure of these nano-composites
High-resolution transmission electron microscope study reveals that CZN films are composed of ordered and crystalline ferromagnetic Co nano-clusters, which are embedded in the nano-composite matrix
Observed enhancement in magnetization is due to evolution of nano-composite phase
Summary
Nano-sized magnetic composites and nano-structures[1,2] have attracted much attention both in fundamental and practical applications because they exhibit novel phenomenon when scaled in nanometer range.[1,2] The magnetic behavior such as, particle magnetic anisotropy control, switching actions, power conversion and efficient heat induction depends on individual constituents and mutual interaction between constituting nano-species.[1,3] The intrinsic physical and chemical properties are mainly determined by particle shape, size and structure of these nano-composites. It is reported that magnetism of diluted Co-Hf and Co-Pt nano-clusters depends on the magnetic particle size and their doping volume fraction.[3] The magnetic properties of sub-nanometer clusters of CoW, prepared by inert gas phase condensation, 2158-3226/2016/6(1)/015307/8
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