Size-dependent passivation shell and magnetic properties in antiferromagnetic/ferrimagnetic core/shell MnO nanoparticles

A study is conducted to explore the magnetic properties of bimagnetic core/shell nanoparticles consisting of an antiferromagnetic MnO core and a ferrimagnetic passivation shell. The size reduction in the MnO core is observed to lead to improved Neel temperature and the magnetic anisotropy as well as persistent magnetic moment in MnO up to high temperatures and an unusual temperature behavior of the magnetic domains.