Experimental and theoretical investigation of Bixbyite (Mn0.8Ni0.2) 2-O-3 nanoparticles for magnetic and electrochemical applications

Abstract

Synthesis of Bixbyite phase nanocrystalline (Mn0.8Ni0.2)(2)O-3 is achieved by a sol-gel method. X-ray diffraction pattern of the sample reveals the formation of cubic lattice type nanocrystalline with Ia-3 space group. The high-resolution transmission electron microscopy images show irregularly shaped cubic nanoparticles with average crystallite size of 25 nm. Symmetric anodic and cathodic cyclic Voltammetry curve suggests that the nanoparticles are favorable to fast redox reactions. The hysteresis behavior of the magnetization curve shows the ferromagnetic nature of the sample. Band structure and spin-polarized partial density of states confirm the half-metallic and ferromagnetic behavior of the sample.