Reversible magnetic phase transitions of MnO2 nano rods by shock wave recovery experiments

Abstract

In the present research article, considering the impact of shock wave recovery experiments which have the potential scope to expand and explore the possibility as well as the feasibility of materials to be used in aerospace and military applications, authors have performed and demonstrated the stability of molecular, structural, morphological, and magnetic properties of MnO2 nanorods under shock wave-loaded conditions. Hydrothermal method has been utilized to synthesize α-MnO2 nanorods which have been loaded with different shock pulses such as 50, 100, 150, and 200, respectively, with the Mach number of 2.2. Molecular, crystallographic structure, and morphological and magnetic studies have been carried out using FTIR, PXRD, SEM, and VSM analyses, respectively, so as to understand the impact of shock waves on the test material. Interestingly, the obtained results confirm that the prepared α-MnO2 nano rods possess excellent molecular, structural, and morphological stability. Surprisingly, it exhibits the reversible magnetic phase transition i.e., from anti-ferromagnetic to paramagnetic nature which is verily confirmed by VSM analysis. Hence, we would like to suggest that the test material is highly suitable for magnetic sensors.