Control of magnetism in cobalt nanoparticles by oxygen passivation

We report on the preparation of ferromagnetic cobalt nanospheres with antiferromagnetic oxide capping layer and its implication for the variation in magnetic property. The hcp cobalt nanospheres were prepared by thermal decomposition of cobalt carbonyl in the presence of organic surfactants. The spherical nanoparticles thus prepared were oxidized to grow antiferromagnetic layers of varying composition and thickness on top of cobalt spheres. High resolution transmission electron microscopy confirmed growth of Co3O4 in one case and CoO in another case. Strong exchange anisotropy and enhanced coercive field was observed due to the core-shell structure in Co-CoO system. On the other hand only a marginal improvement was seen in Co-Co3O4 system. A low temperature paramagnetic behavior was also observed that is interpreted in the framework of crystal defects in the oxide shell.