Synthesis of Epitaxial Metal Oxide Nanocrystals via a Phase Separation Approach

Abstract

Perovskite phase instability of BiMnO3 has been exploited to synthesize epitaxial metal oxide magnetic nanocrystals. Thin film processing conditions are tuned to promote the breakdown of the perovskite precursor into Bi2O3 matrix and magnetic manganese oxide islands. Subsequent cooling in vacuum ensures complete volatization of the Bi2O3, thus leaving behind an array of self-assembled magnetic Mn3O4 nanostructures. Both shape and size can be systematically controlled by the ambient oxygen environments and deposition time. As such, this approach can be extended to any other Bi-based complex ternary oxide system as it primarily hinges on the breakdown of parent Bi-based precursor and subsequent Bi2O3 volatization.

Precise Tuning of (YBa2Cu3O7‐δ)1‐x:(BaZrO3)x Thin Film Nanocomposite Structures

“…Additionally, tremendous application possibilities exist by employing nanocomposite oxides in functional systems, e.g. those incorporating superconductors, solar cells, ferroelectrics, multiferroics, metamaterials, colloidal matter, and biosensors etc . Exciting possibilities also exist in structural systems, e.g.…”

Epitaxial Magnetic Oxide Nanocrystals Via Phase Decomposition of Bismuth Perovskite Precursors

“…The SEM image reveals the Mn 3 O 4 nanocrystals possess a distinct hut shape. A full analysis of the Mn 3 O 4 synthesis and control over shape evolution can be found elsewhere 28. The corresponding XRD pattern (Figure 3e) confirms that Mn 3 O 4 nanostructures are (001) oriented single‐crystals.…”

“…We show successful synthesis of M‐O x where M = Mn, Fe, Co and Cr. Although we have reported a detailed study of using this approach to fabricate Mn 3 O 4 nanocrystal arrays,28 this is the first time this technique is shown viable as a generic method to synthesize a wide range of magnetic metal oxides. Indeed this method has also been extended for the synthesis of other magnetic and transition metal oxide nanostructures.…”

Phase evolution of magnetite nanocrystals on oxide supports via template-free bismuth ferrite precursor approach

“…The synthesis technique employed is based on our previous approach for manganese oxide nanocrystals. 25 Perovskite BiFeO 3 is used as a precursor and deposited on (001) SrTiO 3 substrates using PLD. A KrF laser (Lambda Physik) was used to ablate a BiFeO 3 target (Praxair, USA) at a substrate-target distance of 15 cm with a fluence of 2 J cm À2 at 5 Hz.…”