Diameter-dependent multiferroic functionality in hybrid core/shell NWs

A versatile approach towards nanofabrication of highly reproducible Co/BiCoO3 (Co/BCO) core/shell (CS) nanowires (NWs) with different diameters has been adopted by demonstrating easily available and low cost sol-gel and electrodeposition routes. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed the tetragonal system of the BCO nanoshells (NSs) with the space group P4mm. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) clearly demonstrates the uniform morphology with well aligned CS NWs. The magnetization reversal processes (MRPs), experimentally and with analytical modelling, have been discussed for CS NWs with θ ranging from 0° (in-plane magnetic easy axis) to 90° (out-of-plane magnetic hard axis) with magnetic hysteresis loops and geometrical parameters. Crossover from the vortex to transverse reversal mode on increasing θ has been observed for all diameters. An exchange bias effect has been observed for smaller CS NWs diameters and it is attributed to the shell thickness of ∼25 nm. Furthermore, the magnetic anisotropy effect has been discussed in some detail.

Magnetic response of hybrid ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic core-shell nanostructures

The synthesis of FeTiO3-Ni(Ni80Fe20) core-shell nanostructures by a two-step method (sol-gel and DC electrodeposition) has been demonstrated. XRD analysis confirms the rhombohedral crystal structure of FeTiO3(FTO) with space group R3[combining macron]. Transmission electron microscopy clearly depicts better morphology of nanostructures with shell thicknesses of ∼25 nm. Room temperature magnetic measurements showed significant enhancement of magnetic anisotropy for the permalloy (Ni80Fe20)-FTO over Ni-FTO core-shell nanostructures. Low temperature magnetic measurements of permalloy-FeTiO3 core-shell structure indicated a strong exchange bias mechanism with magnetic coercivity below the antiferromagnetic Neel temperature (TN = 59 K). The exchange bias is attributed to the alignment of magnetic moments in the antiferromagnetic material at low temperature. Our scheme opens a path towards optimum automotive systems and wireless communications wherein broader bandwidths and smaller sizes are required.