Magnetic and magnetotransport properties of Fe2P nanocrystallites via a solvothermal route

Abstract

Hexagonal nanocrystalline Fe₂P has been synthesized via a solvothermal route at a relatively low temperature of 180 °C. X-Ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectra (XPS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to investigate the phase, composition, and morphology of the final crystallized product. The particles with a uniform hexagonal structure are stable in air and their size is in the range of 100–120 nm. A magnetoresistance effect is observed at comparatively low temperatures, which originates from the spin polarized tunneling effect. The super-paramagnetic state transformation can be found at the blocking temperature in Fe₂P nanoparticles, further confirmed by electron spin resonance (ESR) experiments. Metamagnetic behavior is also observed in nanocrystalline Fe₂P with variation of field because of the coexistence of ferromagnetic and super-paramagnetic states.