Dr. Victor KUNCSER

The field of newly developed two-dimensional (2D) materials with low symmetry and structural in-plane anisotropic properties has grown rapidly in recent years. The phosphorene analog of group IV monochalcogenides is a prominent subset of this group that has attracted a lot of attention because of its unique in-plane anisotropic electronic and optical properties, crystalline symmetries, abundance in the earth's crust, and environmental friendliness. This article presents a review of the latest research advancements concerning 2D group IV monochalcogenides. It begins with an exploration of the crystal structures of these materials, alongside their optical and electronic properties. The review continues by discussing the various techniques employed for the synthesis of layered group IV monochalcogenides, including both bottom-up methods such as vapor-phase deposition and top-down techniques like mechanical and/or liquid-phase exfoliation. In the final part, the article emphasizes the application of 2D group IV monochalcogenides, particularly in the fields of photocatalysis, photodetectors, nonlinear optics, sensors, batteries, and photovoltaic cells.

The precise control of the magnetic compensation temperature (theta c) in ferrimagnetic garnets is essential for the development of cutting-edge ultrafast customizable spintronic devices. In this work we demonstrate how fine variation in stoichiometry and cation distribution in iron gadolinium garnets significanty influences theta c. Two samples of Gd3Fe5O112 garnets synthesized via a new hydrothermal method and a conventional solid-state reaction, respectively, were considered. The complex study was carried out using a complex approach combining X-ray diffraction, magnetometry, and M & ouml;ssbauer spectroscopy. Atomic-scale analysis revealed with unprecedent accuracy a cationic inversion between Fe3+ ang Gd3+ at octahedral and dodecahedral sites in both samples, and their chemical compositions were determined as Gd2.70Fe4.76O11.9 and Gd2.96Fe4.68O11.5, respectively. These local rearrangements have been shown to have a consistent influence on theta c (290 K and 317 K, respectively) around room temperature, emphasizing the high sensitivity of exchange interactions to internal atomic order. Results clearly illustrate the strong correlation between the processing, atomic configuration and macroscopic magnetic behavior, establishing a new paradigm for the design of garnet-based materials with tunable theta c. The strategy for the accurate determination of cation inversion illustrated in this work exhibits great potential in guiding material innovations for next-generation spintronics.

A methodology for the quantitative estimation of the drug loading of iron oxide-based magnetic nanoparticles by corroborating magnetometry and M & ouml;ssbauer spectroscopy investigations is reported. The proposed methodology is exemplified in the case of two series of nanoparticles, namely Fe3O4 nanoparticles covered with citric acid molecules and further functionalized with doxorubicin, and Fe3O4 nanoparticles covered with L-Cysteine molecules and further functionalized with doxorubicin. The general idea of the proposed methodology is to probe the real magnetic structure of the magnetic core via low-temperature M & ouml;ssbauer spectroscopy for the correct estimation of the spontaneous magnetization of the magnetic core. It subsequently uses the ratio between the spontaneous magnetization of the covered nanoparticles and that of the magnetic core for the reliable and nondestructive evaluation of the nanoparticle loading by organic molecules. Although the methodology is exemplified in the case of magnetite-based nanoparticles, it can be successfully considered for a large class of medicine-loaded Fe-containing magnetic nanoparticles where 57Fe M & ouml;ssbauer spectroscopy can be applied.

Although the DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-(2,4,6-trinitrophenyl)hydrazyl) radical is known for its indefinite stability, both in solid and in solution, and therefore no dimerization reaction occurs, the DPPH-dimer has been obtained by an alternative synthesis. Oxidation of the DPPH-dimer led to the corresponding DPPH-diradical, practically exhibiting all of the known properties of the simple DPPH radical. The structures were confirmed using 1H and 13C NMR, IR, UV-vis, HR-MS, and electron spin resonance (for the diradical) analyses. Additionally, cyclic voltammetry and superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) measurements were performed to investigate the electrochemical and magnetic properties of the DPPH-diradical. DFT calculations revealed that the ground state was an open-shell singlet. The diradical character y of the ground state and vertical S-T gap were 0.279 and -5.81 kcal mol-1, respectively.

Present work reports a systematic study on the evaluation of magnetic inhomogeneities in non-stoichiometric Mg0 & sdot;5Ca0 & sdot;5Fe2O4 nanoferrite (MCNF) by conducting exhaustive dc -magnetization, ac -susceptibility and Fe-57 Mossbauer spectroscopic measurements and exchange bias investigations using training protocol down to 6 K. Rietveld fitting to PXRD established the formation of anticipated spinel fcc phase of MCNF (non-stoichiometric) along with a minute impurity phase of calcite. Scherrer method and HRTEM micrographs illustrated broad size distribution of MCNF nanoparticles with an average nanocrystallite size of -15 nm. Combined 57Fe Mo center dot ssbauer spectroscopic and dc -magnetization analysis establishes coexistence of ferrimagnetic (67 %) & superparamagnetic (33 %) states at 300 K with notable M-s = 22 emu/g, M-r = 4 emu/g & H-c = 130 Oe and blocking of most of the nanoparticles of MCNF below 300 K. The coercivity followed the size -modified Kneller law for ferrimagnetic nanoparticles and the saturation magnetization abides the Bloch law. Moreover the frequencydependent ac -susceptibility investigations revealed two magnetic transitions: (i) A transition at - 330 K in the low frequency data attributed to the relaxation of blocked particles of bigger sizes under the superparamagnetic (SPM) regime and (ii) an irregularity at low temperatures is assigned to surface spin glass freezing. Surface spin glass freezing was further affirmed by the ageing experiments and dynamic scaling law. Furthermore, even the best fit to the dynamic scaling couldn't assert the existence of conventional spin glass phase due to slower spin -flip time of surface spins. A soft ferrimagnetic core of MCNF is enveloped with disordered surface spins, which manifest spin glass state. Concurrently, the findings of exchange bias at 30 K and training effect at 6 K affirmed that MCNF nanoparticles are presenting themselves as FM core- SG shell system. Our experimental findings suggested magnetic inhomogeneities comprised of superparamagnetism, ferrimagnetism and disordered surface spin glass state in the non-stoichiometric MCNF.

In the present work, we report the synthesis and investigations of La0.9K0.1MnO3 and La0.8K0.1Pb0.1MnO3 bulk samples which could be potential magnetocaloric materials for magnetic refrigeration close to room temperature. A flash combustion reaction and sintering at 1200 degrees C for 10 h are used to prepare the bulk materials. Both compounds crystallized into a rhombohedral structure with R3\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \usepackage{amsmath} \usepackage{wasysym} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{upgreek} \setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \begin{document}$$\overline{3 }$$\end{document}c space group confirmed by X-ray powder diffraction results. Scanning electron microscopy analysis, combined with XRD peak profiles is performed to estimate the particle/crystallite size of the samples. Moreover, the Curie temperature, TC, is found to be higher in lead-rich sample due to the enhancement of the grain size and the Mn3+-O-Mn4+ double exchange (DE) interaction. Therefore, the bulk sample La0.8K0.1Pb0.1MnO3 shows a room temperature phase transition of 289 K as well as a higher saturation magnetization. The La0.8K0.1Pb0.1MnO3 bulk compound exhibits a high and sharp peak in magnetic entropy change up to 5.5 Jkg-1 K-1 under 5 T at the magnetic transition temperature TC. To compare the magnetocaloric performances of the studied compounds, relative cooling power (RCP) was employed. The obtained experimental results revealed that the increase in particle size influences severely the magnetocaloric properties.

Fabrication and extensive characterization of hard-soft nanocomposites composed of hard magnetic low-temperature phase LTP-MnBi and amorphous Fe70Si10B20 soft magnetic phase for bulk magnets are reported. Samples with compositions Mn55Bi45 + x center dot(Fe70Si10B20) (x = 0, 3, 5, 10, 20 wt.%) were prepared by spark plasma sintering of powder mixtures. Characterization has been performed by X-ray diffraction, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, magnetometry and Fe-57 Mossbauer spectroscopy. It was shown that samples contain crystallized and nanometric LTP-MnBi phases with various elemental compositions depending on the degree of Bi clustering. Complex correlations between starting compositions, processes during fabrication, and functional magnetic characteristics were observed. Unexpected special situations of the relation between microstructure and magnetic coupling mechanisms are discovered. Exchange spring effects of different strengths occur, being very sensitive to morpho-structural and compositional features, which in turn are controlled by processing conditions. An in-depth analysis of related microscopic characteristics is provided. Results of this work suggest that fabrication by powder metallurgy routes, such as spark plasma sintering of hard and soft magnetic powder mixtures, of MnBi-based composites with exchange spring phenomena have a high potential in designing and optimization of suitable materials with tunable magnetic properties towards rare-earth-free permanent magnet applications.

We report on the Matrix Assisted Pulsed Laser Evaporation, laser technology for depositing biocompatible, antimicrobial, hydrophilic, and biodegradable complex hybrid polymeric system loaded with essential cypress-oil and magnetite nanoparticles as resorbable implants, capable of targeting possible hyperthermia applications, an anticancer moderate field heating therapy. Magnetite nanoparticles based on iron oxide (Fe3O4) coated with Cypress essential oil (denoted: Fe3O4- Cypress) and embedded in PLGA (poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (denoted: PLGA-Fe3O4- Cypress-) and PLGA - poly(3,4ethylene dioxythiophene) doped with poly(styrene sulfonate) anions) (PEDOT: PSS) mixture (denoted: PLGA-Fe3O4- Cypress- PEDOT: PSS) were used as MAPLE targets. The controlled drug delivery of the active Cypress oil, an antimicrobial therapeutic agent from Fe3O4- Cypress nanoparticles could be possible by applying an external radio frequency (RF) magnetic field. The Fe3O4-Cypress-based powders as well as the final hybrid coatings have been characterized in terms of stoichiometry, morphology, magnetic, antimicrobial properties, biocompatibility, and response to external physical stimuli. FTIR analyses confirmed the quasi-stoichiometric laser transfer of organic compounds while the XRD evidenced the semicrystalline structure of deposited thin films. SEM and AFM images evidence that conductive polymer addition led to the films' relief flattening and a decrease in the coatings' thickness and roughness by changing the polymeric packaging. The samples containing conductive polymer exhibited 3 times higher current and corrosion rate values. All coatings are hydrophilic and revealed enhanced cellular viability when cultured with osteoblast-like MG-63 cells. The composite structures exhibited significant antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus), and Gram -negative (Escherichia coli ) bacteria, as well as to the opportunistic yeast Candida albicans.

Expression of concern for 'Iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles with versatile surface functions based on dopamine anchors' by Mykola Mazur et al., Nanoscale, 2013, 5, 2692-2702, https://doi.org/10.1039/C3NR33506B.

Fe, Co and Si powders were exposed to mechanochemical activation by high-energy ball milling for 0, 2, 4, 8 and 12 h. The samples were subsequently characterized by Mossbauer spectroscopy, X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), magnetic measurements and optical diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. The room temperature Mossbauer measurements were consistent with the occurrence of FeCo2Si and Fe0.5Co0.5Si crystalline phases. The low temperature Mossbauer spectra confirmed the absence of superparamagnetism up to 44 K in the milled system. XRPD patterns supported the phase sequence derived from Mossbauer spectroscopy. The coercive field was found to increase with the ball milling time (BMT). Zero-field-cooling-field-cooling (ZFC-FC) measurements performed at 200 Oe in the temperature range 5-300 K evidenced the transition to the skyrmion phase of the Fe0.5Co0.5Si material below the critical temperature of 44 K. The optical absorption in the UV-Vis-NIR region of the spectrum was found to increase with BMT.

We investigate the interlayer coupling between two thin ferromagnetic (F) films mediated by an antiferromagnetic (AF) spacer in F*/AF/F trilayers and show how it transitions between different regimes on changing the AF thickness. Employing layer-selective Kerr magnetometry and ferromagnetic-resonance techniques in a complementary manner enables us to distinguish between three functionally distinct regimes of such ferromagnetic interlayer coupling. The F layers are found to be individually and independently exchange-biased for thick FeMn spacers-the first regime of no interlayer F-F* coupling. F-F* coupling appears on decreasing the FeMn thickness below 9 nm. In this second regime found in structures with 6.0-9.0-nm-thick FeMn spacers, the interlayer coupling exists only in a finite temperature interval just below the effective Neel temperature of the spacer, which is due to magnon-mediated exchange through the thermally softened antiferromagnetic spacer, vanishing at lower temperatures. The third regime, with FeMn thinner than 4 nm, is characterized by a much stronger interlayer coupling in the entire temperature interval, which is attributed to a magnetic-proximity induced ferromagnetic exchange. These experimental results, spanning the key geometrical parameters and thermal regimes of the F*/AF/F nanostructure, complemented by a comprehensive theoretical analysis, should broaden the understanding of the interlayer exchange in magnetic multilayers and potentially be useful for applications in spin thermionics.

Multifunctional magnetic nanocomposites are among those heterogeneous nanosized systems where at least one phase component is magnetic and can act as an intermediate of either the actuation or the response of the overall system. The main advantage of heterogeneous nanosystems is the possibility of combining and inter-influencing the electronic properties of constituent interfaced nanophases. Consequently, unique physico-chemical properties of the hybrid materials of interest in various applications can be obtained. This Special Issue of Nanomaterials highlights the most advanced processing and characterization tools of some multifunctional magnetic nanocomposites and heterogeneous systems of interest in various applications, from biomedicine to sensoristics and energy-saving materials.

In the present work, nanocrystalline NixCo1-xFe2O4 oxides with average crystallite size between 11 nm and 111 nm have been analyzed by Mossbauer spectroscopy, hysteresis loops, field cooled (FC) and zero field cooled (ZFC) magnetization measurements. A core-shell model has been proposed. Accordingly, the Mossbauer spectra evidence a ferrimagnetic core and a disordered shell (spin-glass), the latter increasing with Ni concentration. Hysteresis curves reveal the ferromagnetic nature of the investigated compounds and transformation from single- to multi-domain behaviour at a critical particle size dependent on Ni2+ ion concentration. The magnetic properties of finest powders (average crystallite size similar to 11 nm) are the most sensitive to the Ni2+ ions content. A general increase in the coercive field, H-C, with reducing temperature according to the modified Kneller's formula H-c(T) = H-c(0)[1-(T/T-B)(beta) where beta = 0.45 occurs. A high saturation magnetization of about 90 emu/g and an increase in H-C from about 0.3 kOe at 300 K to 7 kOe at 10 K have been observed for the sample Ni0.1Co0.9Fe2O4 (x = 0.1). Increasing magnetization and coercive field with reducing temperature are also explained within the core shell model. FC and ZFC data show strong dependence of the magnetic properties on crystallite size and concentration of Ni2+ ions.

Zn1-xFexO nanoparticles with the iron concentrations level in the dilute regime (x = 0.001---0.01) were produced by a sol-gel route from acetate precursors along with an un-doped and 3 at.% Fe-doped reference. The X-ray diffraction of the un-doped and 0.1-1 at.% Fe-doped samples reveal the reflections for only the ZnO wurtzite structure. Fe doping enhances the a-axis lattice constant, the unit cell volume and the microstrain. Iron doping reduces the average crystallite/particle size (confirmed by Scanning Electron Microscopy), improving the surface-to-volume ratio or the concentration of defective surface sites. XPS identifies the iron in both Fe3+ and Fe2+ states. XPS and Fe-57 Mossbauer spectroscopy indicate a broad distribution (distortion) of Fe3+ sites on the surface of ZnO nanoparticles. The blue shift and broadening of the UV emission, and quenching of defect-related photoluminescence in the Fe-doped samples verify the presence of iron in the ZnO lattice and surface intrinsic defects. 0.1-1 at.% Fe-doped ZnO show room temperature ferromagnetism, RTFM, characteristic of dilute magnetic semiconductors, DMS. The magnetization measurements with temperature evidence an antiferromagnetic alignment and an increase of ferromagnetic contribution with Fe doping up to 1 at.%. Zn0.97Fe0.3O reference is a superparamagnetic ZnO/ZnFe2O4 nanocomposite with a blocking temperature of 20 K; HRTEM shows (ultra)fine ZnFe2O4 particles at the surface of ZnO nanoparticles. The analysis of experimental data of 0.1-1 at.% Fe-doped ZnO was done in terms of iron coupling with intrinsic defects, which can generate surface Fe3+ states with geometries similar to the Fe3+ in inverse spinel ZnFe2O4. The superexchange interaction (resembling that in the inverse spinel ZnFe2O4) between the Fe3+ sites with distorted configuration resulting in ferrimagnetism was hypothesised as a possible mechanism of RTFM. Experimental (structural, local chemical, magnetic, optical) and interpretation results can be used to optimize the processing conditions for Fe-doped ZnO to serve as an effective DMS, e.g. for spintronic applications.

In this study, we report on the synthesis of L-Cysteine (L-Cys)-coated magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (NPs) loaded with doxorubicin (Dox). The Fe3O4-L-Cys-Dox NPs were extensively characterized for their compositional and morpho-structural features using EDS, SAED, XRD, FTIR and TEM. XPS, Mossbauer spectroscopy and SQUID measurements were also performed to determine the electronic and magnetic properties of the Fe3O4-L-Cys-Dox nanoparticles. Moreover, by means of a FO-SPR sensor, we evidenced and confirmed the binding of Dox to L-Cys. Biological tests on mouse (B16F10) and human (A375) metastatic melanoma cells evidenced the internalization of magnetic nanoparticles delivering Dox. Half maximum inhibitory concentration IC50 values of Fe3O4-L-Cys-Dox were determined for both cell lines: 4.26 mu g/mL for A375 and 2.74 mu g/mL for B16F10, as compared to 60.74 and 98.75 mu g/mL, respectively, for unloaded controls. Incubation of cells with Fe3O4-L-Cys-Dox modulated MAPK signaling pathway activity 3 h post-treatment and produced cell cycle arrest and increased apoptosis by 48 h. We show that within the first 2 h of incubation in physiological (pH = 7.4) media, similar to 10-15 mu M Dox/h was released from a 200 mu g/mL Fe3O4-L-Cys-Dox solution, as compared to double upon incubation in citrate solution (pH = 3), which resembles acidic environment conditions. Our results highlight the potential of Fe3O4-L-Cys-Dox NPs as efficient drug delivery vehicles in melanoma therapy.

The phosphate KCoCr-(PO4)(2) and iron-substitutedvariants KCoCr1-x Fe x (PO4)(2) (x =0.25, 0.5, and 0.75) were synthesized by a solid-state reaction route,while a high substitution level of Fe was achieved. Their structureswere refined using powder X-ray diffraction and indexed in a monoclinicsystem with a P2(1)/n spacegroup. A 3D framework with six-sided tunnels parallel to the [101]direction was formed in which the K atoms are located. Mo''ssbauerspectroscopy confirms the exclusive presence of octahedral paramagneticFe(3+) ions, with isomer shifts increasing slightly with x substitution. Electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopyconfirmed the presence of paramagnetic Cr3+ ions. The activationenergy, determined by dielectric measurements, shows that the iron-containingsamples present higher ionic activity. Relative to the electrochemicalactivity of K, these materials could be good candidates for positiveand/or negative electrode materials for energy storage applications. The synthesized phosphate KCoCr-(PO4)(2) and Fe-substituted variants KCoCr1-x Fe x (PO4)(2) (x = 0.25, 0.5, and 0.75) present a 3D frameworkwith six-sided tunnels in which the K atoms are located. The activationenergy, determined by dielectric measurements, shows that the iron-containingsamples present improved ionic activity, making these materials goodcandidates for positive and/or negative electrode materials for energystorage applications.

Nano-logic magnetic structures are of great interest for spintronic applications. While the methods used for developing arrays of magnetic L1(0)-phase dots are, in most cases, based on deposition followed by annealing at high temperatures, usually around 700 degrees C, we demonstrate here a technique where a much lower annealing temperature (i.e., 400 degrees C) is needed in order to promote fully the disorder-order phase transformation and achievement of highly coercive L1(0)-phase dots. In order to develop building blocks based on arrays of L1(0)-phase FePt dots for further spintronic applications, an engraving technique using electron beam lithography is employed. This paper describes the fabrication, as well as the morphological and magnetic characterization, of regularly placed FePt dots of various shapes, as pre-requisites for integration into nano-logic devices. As a proof of concept, regular arrays of FePt circular dots were devised and their structural characterization, using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), was performed. It has been shown that annealing at only 400 degrees C for 30 min proved the occurrence of the tetragonal L1(0) phase. Moreover, structural characterization showed that the disorder-order phase transformation was complete with only the L1(0) phase detected in high resolution TEM. The magnetic characterization provided more insight into the potential of such arrays of magnetic devices with convenient values of magnetic coercivity, remanent and saturation magnetization. These findings show good potential for developing regular arrays of uniformly shaped magnetic entities with encouraging magnetic performances in view of various applications.

A convenient and low-cost sol-gel approach for the one-step synthesis of ZnO-P2O5-rGO nanostructures with tuned bandgap and fluorescence was investigated. The obtained hybrid nanostructures exploit the properties of zinc oxide, graphene oxide and phosphorous oxide as promising candidates for a wide range of optoelectronic applications. A predominant amorphous structure, ZnO-P2O5-rGO, containing ZnO nanorods was evidenced by X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The estimated size of the ZnO nanorods in nanostructures with P2O5 was noticed to decrease when the P2O5/ZnO ratio was increased. The presence of ZnO, P2O5 and rGO was confirmed by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Raman investigation. P2O5 was noticed to tune the bandgap and the fluorescence emissions of the nanostructured films, as estimated by UV-Vis-NIR and fluorescence spectroscopy, respectively. The electrical measurements performed at room temperature showed that the main influence on the film's resistivity does not come from the 1% rGO doping but from the P2O5/ZnO ratio. It was found that a 10/90 molar ratio of P2O5/ZnO decreases the resistivity almost seven-fold compared with rGO-doped ZnO films.

AuxFe1-x nanophase thin films of different compositions and thicknesses were prepared by co-deposition magnetron sputtering. Complex morpho-structural and magnetic investigations of the films were performed by X-ray Diffraction, cross-section Transmission Electron Microscopy, Selected Area Electron Diffraction, Magneto Optical Kerr Effect, Superconducting Quantum Interference Device magnetometry and Conversion Electron Mossbauer Spectroscopy. It was proven that depending on the preparation conditions, different configurations of defect alpha-Fe magnetic clusters, i.e., randomly distributed or auto-assembled in lamellar or filiform configurations, can be formed in the Au matrix. A close relationship between the Fe clustering process and the type of the crystalline structure of the Au matrix was underlined, with the stabilization of a hexagonal phase at a composition close to 70 at. % of Au and at optimal thickness. Due to different types of inter-cluster magnetic interactions and spin anisotropies, different types of magnetic order from 2D Ising type to 3D Heisenberg type, as well as superparamagnetic behavior of non-interacting Fe clusters of similar average size, were evidenced.

Sesquipedalian mud and burnt bricks (second to third century AD) were excavated from the Roman city of Romula located in the Lower Danube Region (Olt county, Romania). Along with local soils, bricks are investigated by petrographic analysis, X-ray fluorescence (XRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), electron microscopy (SEM/EDX), X-ray microtomography (XRT), thermal analysis (DTA-TG), M.ssbauer spectroscopy, magnetometry, colorimetry, and mechanical properties assessment. The results correlate well with each other, being useful for conservation/restoration purposes and as reference data for other ceramic materials. Remarkably, our analysis and comparison with literature data indicate possible control and wise optimization by the ancient brickmakers through the recipe, design (size, shape, and micro/ macrostructure), and technology of the desired physical-chemical-mechanical properties. We discuss the Roman bricks as materials that can adapt to external factors, similar, to some extent, to modern "smart" or "intelligent" materials. These features can explain their outstanding durability to changes of weather/climate and mechanical load.

Polycrystalline La(0.8)K(0.2-x)Pb(x)MnO3 (x = 0.05, 0.10, 0.15, 0.20) ceramics were successfully prepared by flash combustion route and their structural, morphological, magnetic and magnetocaloric properties were investi-gated. Structural analyses using X-ray diffraction reveal that all samples are crystallized in the rhombohedral structure and belong to R c space group. The increase of Pb doping does not modify the crystalline structure but changes the grain size and lattice parameters. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) fitting results of Mn 2p peaks confirmed the coexistence of Mn3+ and Mn4+ ions which contribute to the double exchange interactions improving the ferromagnetic order in the samples. The magnetization's temperature and magnetic field de-pendences indicate a second-order ferromagnetic-paramagnetic transition of the ceramics. A significant mag-netic entropy change near room temperature was observed for La0.8K0.1Pb0.1MnO3, showing considerable magnetocaloric properties. Furthermore, electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy (EPR) was also used to examine the ferromagnetic-paramagnetic transition.

The manipulation of magnetic anisotropy represents the fundamental prerequisite for the application of magnetic materials. Here we present the vectorial magnetic properties of nanostructured systems and thin films of Fe and FeCo prepared on linearly trenched Mo templates with thermally controlled periodicity. The magnetic properties of the nanosystems are engineered by tuning the shape, size, thickness, and composition parameters of the thin films. Thus, we control coercivity, magnetization, orientation of the easy axis of magnetization, and the long-range magnetic order of the system in the function of the temperature. We distinguish magnetic components that emerge from the complex morpho-structural features of the undulating Fe or FeCo nanostructured films on trenched Mo templates: (i) assembly of magnetic nanowires and (ii) assembly of magnetic islands/clusters. Uniaxial anisotropy at room temperature was proven, characterized, and explained in the case of all systems. Our work contributes to the understanding of magnetic properties necessary for possible further applications of linear systems and undulated thin films.

Pure and Er-doped hematite (alpha-Fe2O3) nanorods were prepared by a two-step method involving hydrothermal synthesis and calcination of pure and Er-doped goethite (alpha-FeOOH) nanorods. Substitution of Fe3+ by Er3+ in the crystal structure of hematite caused morpho-structural changes such as expansion of the unit cell and gradual shortening and rounding of hematite nanorods towards formation of nanoellipsoids. These changes induced modification of magnetic and optical properties suggesting the possibility of a systematic control of physical properties via rare earth substitution. A decrease in the hyperfine magnetic field, coercive field and Morin transition temperature, as well as an increase of the magnetic susceptibility and a narrowing of the optical band gap were observed by substitution. Intimate mechanisms related to the formation of more and more defect-like hematite phases with decreased temperatures for the transition to the low temperature antiferromagnetic phase at increased doping level were evidenced via temperature dependent Mo center dot ssbauer spectroscopy.

In this study, stannite, Cu2FeSnS4 (CFTS), absorber films were obtained by electrodeposition on Molybdenum-coated soda-lime substrates, followed by sulfurization treatment at certain temperatures in the 400-550 degrees C range. The purposes of this work were to control the manufacturing of CFTS films with good stoichiometry, high crystallinity and to study the annealing temperature impact on CFTS films properties. The X-ray diffraction and the Raman spectroscopy measurement distinguished the CFTS phase formation, with a presence of SnS2 secondary phase. The energy dispersive spectroscopy results reveal compositional differences between samples as well as the in-depth gradients. The photoluminescence emission band around 1.35-1.40 eV is slightly below the direct bandgap inferred from the conventional spectroscopy (diffuse reflectance). X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy results indicate clearly a high amount of Sn on the surface. The Conversion Electron Mossbauer unveiled the presence of Fe in the chalcogenide unit cell. The electrochemical characteristics of the synthesized films are also given. (c) 2022 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The structural properties of VO2 thin films, grown on either LSAT or Si substrates by pulsed laser deposition (PLD), are elucidated by means of transmission electron microscopy (TEM) methods. The TEM observations confirmed the successful growth of VO2 by PLD in variable thicknesses, by optimizing the O-2 partial pressure and growth temperature. The films adopt a columnar polycrystalline morphology with narrow columns, up to the film thickness height. Four VO2 polymorphs have been detected by electron diffraction and high-resolution TEM (HRTEM) analysis, with M1 being by far the most abundant phase. Post-experimental strain measurements in HRTEM images have revealed that the actual residual strain is minimized due to the columnar morphology of the VO2 grains, as well as intrinsic oxide layers in the VO2/Si epitaxy. The TEM outcomes confirmed the complementary electrical and magnetic measurements in the films, where a transition from a monoclinic M1 to a rutile VO2 R phase has been identified, influenced by the initial percentage of phases in thick VO2 films.

MoO2-Fe2O3 nanoparticle systems were successfully synthesized by mechanochemical activation of MoO2 and alpha-Fe2O3 equimolar mixtures throughout 0-12 h of ball-milling. The role of the long-range ferromagnetism of MoO2 on a fraction of more defect hematite nanoparticles supporting a defect antiferromagnetic phase down to the lowest temperatures was investigated in this work. The structure and the size evolution of the nanoparticles were investigated by X-ray diffraction, whereas the magnetic properties were investigated by SQUID magnetometry. The local electronic structure and the specific phase evolution in the analyzed system versus the milling time were investigated by temperature-dependent Mossbauer spectroscopy. The substantially shifted magnetic hysteresis loops were interpreted in terms of the unidirectional anisotropy induced by pinning the long-range ferromagnetic order of the local net magnetic moments in the defect antiferromagnetic phase, as mediated by the diluted magnetic oxide phase of MoO2, to those less defect hematite nanoparticles supporting Morin transition. The specific evolutions of the exchange bias and of the coercive field versus temperature in the samples were interpreted in the frame of the specific phase evolution pointed out by Mossbauer spectroscopy. Depending on the milling time, a different fraction of defect hematite nanoparticles is formed. Less nanoparticles supporting the Morin transition are formed for samples exposed to a longer milling time, with a direct influence on the induced unidirectional anisotropy and related effects.

Magnetic perovskite films have promising properties for use in energy-efficient spintronic devices and magnetic refrigeration. Here, an epitaxial ferromagnetic La0.67Ba0.33Mn0.95Ti0.05O3 (LBMTO-5) thin film was grown on SrTiO3(001) single crystal substrate by pulsed laser deposition. High-resolution X-ray diffraction proved the high crystallinity of the film with tetragonal symmetry. The magnetic, magnetocaloric and magnetoresistance properties at different directions of the applied magnetic field with respect to the ab plane of the film were investigated. An in-plane uni-axial magnetic anisotropy was evidenced. The LBMTO-5 epilayer exhibits a second-order ferromagnetic-paramagnetic phase transition around 234 K together with a metal-semiconductor transition close to this Curie temperature (T-C). The magnetic entropy variation under 5 T induction of a magnetic field applied parallel to the film surface reaches a maximum of 17.27 mJ/cm(3) K. The relative cooling power is 1400 mJ/cm(3) K (53% of the reference value reported for bulk Gd) for the same applied magnetic field. Giant magnetoresistance of about 82% under 5 T is obtained at a temperature close to T-C. Defined as the difference between specific resistivity obtained under 5 T with the current flowing along the magnetic easy axis and the magnetic field oriented transversally to the current, parallel and perpendicular to the sample plane, respectively, the in-plane magneto-resistance anisotropy in 5 T is about 9% near the T-C.

Magnetite (Fe3O4) and ferrite (MFe2O4, M = Mn, Zn) hydrophobic magnetic nanoparticles with various shapes and sizes were synthesized by high-temperature reaction of organic precursor solutions. Spherical, cubic, hexagonal, and octahedral shapes and sizes ranging from 10 to 100 nm were obtained. It has been proven that the reported high capability of tailoring the shape and the size of the surface-coated nanoparticles allows controlling a variety of properties that are relevant to many potential applications. Structurally well-formed hydrophobic magnetic nanoparticles with high saturation magnetization values are reported. The hydrophobic oleic acid shell was successfully transformed by a simple and environmentally friendly oxidative scission method into azelaic acid. The morphostructural characteristics, size distributions, chemical composition, and magnetic properties of the resulting hydrophilic nanoparticles were investigated by electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Mossbauer spectroscopy, superconducting quantum interference device, and vibrating sample magnetometry. Magnetic hyperthermia measurements have been performed in a specially designed sample holder placed in an inductor with copper windings assuring alternating magnetic fields of safely biological amplitude-frequency products. The optimal shape with a specific size range for nanoparticles dispersed in various carriers providing the best heating efficiency is reported.

Fe-Gd amorphous thin films of different compositions and thicknesses were analyzed with respect to their magnetic and magneto-optical behavior. By preparing samples with the same Fe/Gd elemental ratio at different thicknesses, and of various Fe/Gd ratios at constant thickness, respectively, we were able to show the influences of these two parameters on the interconnected behavior of the two magnetic sub-lattices, one of Fe and the other of Gd, which are antiferromagnetically coupled. Magneto-Optical Kerr Effect (MOKE) measurements revealed reversed hysteresis loops for sample compositions crossing the magnetic compensation point. Temperature dependent magnetization curves highlighted the variation of the overall net contribution of the two magnetic sub-lattices by changing either the Fe/Gd elemental ratio or the film thickness. Fe-57 Conversion Electron Mossbauer (CEM) spectra give additional support to the specific magnetic behavior evidenced by temperature and field dependent Superconducting Quantum Interference Device (SQUID) magnetometry.

Zn-Fe-O nanoparticle systems (Z3F, Z20F and Z60F) were produced by changing the Zn:Fe ratio (0.97 : 0.03, 0.8 : 0.2 and 0.4 : 0.6 in at%, respectively) in Zn(ii)-Fe(iii)-carboxylate precursors. According to X-ray diffraction, Z60F is nearly single-phase ZnFe2O4 (5.9 nm crystallite size), Z20F is a ZnO/ZnFe2O4 nanocomposite consisting of 48.8% ZnFe2O4 (4.7 nm crystallite size), and Z3F is apparently pure ZnO (9.5 nm). We found evidence for a ZnFe2O4 spinel of high inversion degree (80-100%) and with superparamagnetic (SPM) behaviour at room temperature in all three samples by a remarkable correlation between HRTEM, FTIR, XPS, Mossbauer and magnetization analyses. Iron modifies the decomposition process of the precursor and enhances its viscosity, which appears to favour the separation of Zn- and Fe-rich phases. As a consequence, two-phase systems of individual nanocrystals/nanoparticles (ZnO and ZnFe2O4) are formed. The large anisotropy constant, 10(6)-10(7) erg cm(-3), of the ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles and the concentration dependence of their magnetic energy barrier are explained in terms of interparticle interactions interlinked with finite size effects and high inversion degree; these factors also control the other parameters of importance for applications, including the blocking temperature (13-111 K), saturation magnetization (1.08-17.7 emu g(-1) at 300 K, 4.6-44.8 emu g(-1) at 5 K) and coercivity (85.4-491 Oe at 5 K). Magnetic dynamic results, particularly modelled by the Neel-Brown and Vogel-Fulcher laws, yield fitting parameters which validate the presence of concentration-dependent dipole-like interactions between ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles. A fraction of iron was found in the Fe2+ state, presumably substituting for Zn2+ in zinc oxide; however, the samples behave like ZnFe2O4 SPM nanoclusters/nanoparticles dispersed in a nonmagnetic ZnO particle assembly, rather than Zn(Fe)O dilute magnetic semiconductors. The relevance of the properties of the investigated material for specific applications is highlighted throughout the manuscript.

Nanoscale thermometers with high sensitivity are needed in domains which study quantum and classical effects at cryogenic temperatures. Here, we present a micrometer sized and nanometer thick chromium selenide cryogenic temperature sensor capable of measuring a large domain of cryogenic temperatures down to tenths of K. Hexagonal Cr-Se flakes were obtained by a simple physical vapor transport method and investigated using scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements. The flakes were transferred onto Au contacts using a dry transfer method and resistivity measurements were performed in a temperature range from 7 K to 300 K. The collected data have been fitted by exponential functions. The excellent fit quality allowed for the further extrapolation of resistivity values down to tenths of K. It has been shown that the logarithmic sensitivity of the sensor computed over a large domain of cryogenic temperature is higher than the sensitivity of thermometers commonly used in industry and research. This study opens the way to produce Cr-Se sensors for classical and quantum cryogenic measurements.

Epitaxial La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 films with different thicknesses (9-90 nm) were deposited on SrTiO3 (0 0 1) substrates by pulsed laser deposition. The films have been investigated with respect to morpho-structural, magnetic, and magneto-transport properties, which have been proven to be thickness dependent. Magnetic contributions with different switching mechanisms were evidenced, depending on the perovskite film thickness. The Curie temperature increases with the film thickness. In addition, colossal magnetoresistance effects of up to 29% above room temperature were evidenced and discussed in respect to the magnetic behavior and film thickness.

Niobia-based magnetic nanocomposites were prepared by covering magnetite nanoparticle cores (Fe3O4, MNP) with either Nb2O5 or Nb2O5-SiO2 shells using a two-step procedure. In the first step magnetite nanoparticles were prepared by the coprecipitation method. The second step involved their coverage with either Nb2O5 shells, through a precipitation method, or with Nb2O5-SiO2 shells, through a sol-gel protocol followed by precipitation in the presence of the CTAB surfactant. The obtained materials were exhaustively characterised by X-ray diffraction, Mossbauer spectroscopy, magnetic measurements, ICP-OES, DRIFT and Raman spectroscopy, and CO2 - and NH3-TPD measurements, and investigated for glucose dehydration to HMF. The catalytic performances were directly correlated to the nature of the supported niobia phases, which, in turn, has been dictated by the niobia content and the preparation route. The high selectivity to HMF was correlated with to the large pseudohexagonal niobium oxide (TT-Nb2O5) phase while the catalytic activity was directly correlated to the small nanoparticles size. A proper combination of these features led to an optimum catalytic system for the selective production of HMF through glucose dehydration. A third important feature making the developed catalyst promising is its magnetic property, ensured by the magnetite nanoparticles core. This allowed its easy separation from the reaction products.

Fe oxide magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) in general and cobalt ferrite nanoparticles in particular have immense potential for applications in catalysis, medicine, information and energy storage, etc. MNPs feature interesting physical and chemical properties, different to those of corresponding bulk materials. The magnetic anisotropy constant of almost spherical CoFe2O4 MNPs is much higher than that of magnetite (Fe3O4) MNPs of similar geometrical parameters due to the magnetocrystalline contribution. CoFe2O4 shows significant magnetization at saturation, high coercive field and Curie temperature, and good chemical and magnetic stability, being therefore preferable to the most usual Fe3O4 MNPs. A surfactant-assisted synthetic route was employed to synthesize Fe oxide and in particular cobalt ferrite MNPs over a wide pH range (3-13), endeavor which allowed analysis of transient and parasitic phase identified in acidic reaction conditions.

Glasses from lithium-aluminum-zinc-boron-phosphorous oxide system co-doped with terbium (Tb3+) and dysprosium (Dy3+) oxides were studied for magneto-optical applications in lasers. The Fourier Transform Infrared and Raman Spectroscopy complementary analysis suggested the depolymerization of the borophosphate glass network by adding and increasing the rare-earth (RE) oxide content. Main UV-vis absorption maxima of Tb and Dy ions were identified at 348 and 1266 nm. Spectroscopic ellipsometry indicated a maximum refractive index of 1.56, at 400 nm, for the highest RE content. The Verdet constant amplified by increasing the RE content, reaching for the 9 mol% RE co-doped sample a value of -0.075 min/Oe/cm at 630 nm. The Faraday rotation angle was additionally confirmed by using a Faraday Cell Device, being also related to the specific paramagnetic behavior evidenced by Superconducting Quantum Interference Device magnetometry. The magneto-optical properties recommend such vitreous co-doped materials for magneto-optical devices.

The magnetic properties of thin-film multilayers [Fe/Py]/FeMn/Py are investigated as a function of temperature and thickness of the antiferromagnetic FeMn spacer using SQUID magnetometry. The observed behavior differs substantially for the structures with 6 nm and 15 nm FeMn spacers. While the 15 nm FeMn structure exhibits exchange pinning of both ferromagnetic layers in the entire measurement temperature interval from 5 to 300 K, the 6 nm FeMn structure becomes exchange de-pinned in the vicinity of room temperature. The depinned state is characterized by a single hysteresis loop centered at zero field and having enhanced magnetic coercivity. The observed properties are explained in terms of finite-size effects and possible ferromagnetic interlayer coupling through the thin antiferromagnetic spacer.

Magnetic Fe@Y composites (carbon-coated magnetic iron nanoparticles incorporated in zeolite Y) with 5-8 wt % Fe were synthesized and characterized. Overall acidity of the samples ranged between 2.0 and 2.47 mmol/g and is mostly attributed to Lewis acid sites. The obtained materials were proven to catalyze the hydrolysis of the marine sulfated polysaccharide ulvan with high conversion rates. The distribution of the reaction products depended on the reaction conditions and the concentration of ulvan. The catalytic property catalytic performance correlations clearly showed that the acid zeolite Y is the active phase for the hydrolysis of ulvan, while the iron nanoparticles enable the catalyst separation in a magnetic field. Under oxygen pressure, the selectivity was completely changed to favor succinic acid production. All Fe@Y composites were recycled 10 times with no change in their catalytic performance after recovery via a simple magnetic separation and washing with water.

We explore the cross coupling between the ferroelectric and ferromagnetic phases in Ni/BaTiO3(001) heterostructures and demonstrate the modulation of the magnetism and incidence of exchange bias in the ultrathin metallic Ni overlayer, depending on the ferroelectric state of the bottom layer. We establish that 5-nm-thick monocrystalline Ni film deposited on BaTiO3 with ferroelectric polarization pointing towards the surface (P+) favors the organization of Ni into uniform ferromagnetic domains. Ni grown on BaTiO3 with opposite ferroelectric polarization is featured by emerging exchange-bias coupling between the ferromagnetic Ni top layers and the antiferromagnetic reacted interface, as theoretically explained by first-principles calculations. We explicitly obtain the morphology of the magnetic domains of the crystalline Ni layer in atomic and magnetic force microscopy measurements (AFM/MFM). The resemblance of AFM and MFM images indicate that, although with radically different morphologies, in both cases all spins orient in the Ni plane. Consequently, the distinct signature of the ferroelectric-ferromagnetic coupling extracted from the magneto-optical Kerr effect measurements encodes all the information of sample magnetism. The peculiar magnetic coupling depending on the ferroelectric state indicates new ways of engineering the functionality of metal/ferroelectric interfaces.

We report the facile and low-cost preparation as well as detailed characterization of dense arrays of passivated ferromagnetic nickel (Ni) nanotubes (NTs) vertically-supported onto solid Au-coated Si substrates. The proposed fabrication method relies on electrochemical synthesis within the nanopores of a supported anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) template and allows for fine tuning of the NTs ferromagnetic walls just by changing the cathodic reduction potential during the nanostructures' electrochemical growth. Subsequently, the experimental platform allowed further passivation of the Ni NTs with the formation of ultra-thin antiferromagnetic layers of nickel oxide (NiO). Using adequately adapted magnetic measurements, we afterwards demonstrated that the thickness of the NT walls and of the thin antiferromagneticNiO layer, strongly influences the magnetic behavior of the dense array of exchange-coupled Ni/NiO NTs. The specific magnetic properties of these hybrid ferromagnetic/antiferromagnetic nanosystems were then correlated with the morpho-structural and geometrical parameters of the NTs, as well as ultimately strengthened by additionally-implemented micromagnetic simulations. The effect of the unidirectional anisotropy strongly amplified by the cylindrical geometry of the ferromagnetic/antiferromagnetic interfaces has been investigated with the magnetic field applied both parallel and perpendicular to the NTs axis.

A facile and cheap surfactant-assisted hydrothermal method was used to prepare mesoporous cobalt ferrite nanosystems with BET surface area up to 151 m(2)/g. These mesostructures with high BET surface areas and pore sizes are made from assemblies of nanoparticles (NPs) with average sizes between 7.8 and 9.6 nm depending on the initial pH conditions. The pH proved to be the key factor for controlling not only NP size, but also the phase purity and the porosity properties of the mesostructures. At pH values lower than 7, a parasite hematite phase begins to form. The sample obtained at pH = 7.3 has magnetization at saturation M-s = 38 emu/g at 300 K (54.3 emu/g at 10 K) and BET surface area S-BET = 151 m(2)/g, whereas the one obtained at pH = 8.3 has M-s = 68 emu/g at 300 K (83.6 emu/g at 10 K) and S-BET = 101 m(2)/g. The magnetic coercive field values at 10 K are high at up to 12,780 Oe, with a maximum coercive field reached for the sample obtained at pH = 8.3. Decreased magnetic performances are obtained at pH values higher than 9. The iron occupancies of the tetrahedral and octahedral sites belonging to the cobalt ferrite spinel structure were extracted through decomposition of the Mossbauer patterns in spectral components. The magnetic anisotropy constants of the investigated NPs were estimated from the temperature dependence of the hyperfine magnetic field. Taking into consideration the high values of BET surface area and the magnetic anisotropy constants as well as the significant magnetizations for saturation at ambient temperature, and the fact that all parameters can be adjusted through the initial pH conditions, these materials are very promising as recyclable anti-polluting agents, magnetically separable catalysts, and targeted drug delivery vehicles.

This work is focused on investigation of thermal, structural, optical, magnetic, and magneto-optical properties of novel titanium phosphate-tellurite glass applied as Faraday rotators. The glass belonging to the system 35Li(2)O-10Al(2)O(3)-5TiO(2)-45P(2)O(5)-5TeO(2) was prepared by a nonconventional wet route of raw materials processing, followed by melting-quenching-annealing steps. Some important physical properties of the investigated glass have been measured and calculated, providing knowledge related to glass compactness, electronic structure, glass forming capability, etc. XRD analysis evidenced an amorphous network structure of the investigated glass. The optical absorption in the Vis domain is mainly due to Ti3+ ions and Te-2 clusters formed during the glass melting process. A relatively low optical absorption is noticed over 600 nm that activates a significant Faraday magneto-optical effect. Photoluminescence bands in the blue, red, and infrared domains are observed, caused by Te-2 clusters formed during the glass melting process. The magnetization in dependency on applied magnetic field reveals a complex behavior of the glass, depending on temperature. Thus, it is found a ferromagnetic behavior up to 2000 Oe, a paramagnetic component up to 40 000 Oe, followed by a diamagnetic one over 40 000 Oe. Faraday rotation angle and Verdet constant values in the visible domain are correlated with the reduced TeO2 content of the glass.

Polyvinylidene fluoride-iron oxide (PVDF-Fe2O3) nanocomposites have been obtained my melt mixing of PVDF with Fe2O3 nanoparticles. The interactions between the polymeric matrix and the nanofiller have been investigated by wide angle X-ray scattering (WAXS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and Raman spectroscopy, using both red and green excitations (lasers). WAXS, FTIR, and Raman spectra confirm that all samples contain alpha PVDF as the major crystalline form of the polymeric matrix. Experimental data revealed small changes in the positions of X-ray lines as well as modifications of the width of X-ray lines upon loading by Fe2O3 nanoparticles. FTIR and Raman spectra are dominated by the lines of the polymeric matrix. Within the experimental errors, the positions of Raman lines are not affected by the wavelength of the incoming electromagnetic radiation, although they are sensitive to the strain of the polymeric matrix induced by addition of the nanofiller. The loading of the polymeric matrix with nanoparticles stretches the macromolecular chains, affecting their vibrational spectra (FTIR and Raman). A complex dependence of the positions of some Raman and FTIR lines on the loading with Fe2O3 is reported. The manuscript provides a detailed analysis of the effects of nanofiller on the position of WAXS, FTIR, and Raman lines. (c) 2020 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 48907.

A complex investigation of the morpho-structural, magnetic, magneto-optical and magneto-transport properties of amorphous Fe-Gd thin films crossing the magnetization compensation point is reported and the unexpected observed magneto-functionalities are discussed. A tendency of magnetic domain formation with increasing the Fe content over the compensation concentration is observed. The switch from a reversed Magneto-optical Kerr Effect loop to a direct loop when increasing the Fe content over the compensation point is explained via the specific contribution to the rotation of the polarization vector from each magnetic sublattice, belonging to Fe and Gd, respectively. Local atomic configurations and magnetic interactions ascertained the amorphous character and revealed an out-ofplane orientation of the magnetic moment of Fe above the compensation point. The thermomagnetic curves prove a concentration dependent behavior, explained by weakly coupled magnetization relaxation processes of the two magnetic sub-lattices. On the other hand, the magnetic hysteresis loops gave evidence of two exchange coupled magnetic phases with different coercive fields. According to structural and Fe-57 Mossbauer Spectroscopy results, the two phases correspond to definite nanosized volumes of two different average concentrations (one of them closer to the compensation point) which are randomly distributed in the film. The unexpected single step-like behavior of the magneto-resistivity curves was explained by dissimilar switching of the spins in these two magnetic phases distributed in nano-sized volumes.

Mononuclear Mn(II) coordination compound, [Mn(H2L)Cl-2] (1), was synthesized by the reaction of H2L and MnCl2 center dot 4H(2)O in methanol where H2L is tridentate ONO-donor hydrazone ligand [H2L = (E)-N'-(2-hydroxy-5-iodobenzylidene)isonicotinohydrazide]. The reaction of H2L with MnCl2 center dot 4H(2)O in the presence of excess amount of NaN3 in methanol gave an azido bridged dinuclear Mn(III) coordination compound, [Mn-2(L)(mu-N-3)(2)(CH3OH)(2)] (2), whereas in the presence of low amount of NaN3, a phenolate bridged dinuclear Mn(II) coordination compound, [Mn-2(HL)(2)(CH3OH)(2)Cl-2]center dot CH3OH (3), was obtained. These compounds were characterized by elemental analysis, spectroscopic methods, single crystal X-ray analysis and magnetic measurements. The structural studies indicated that the ligand is coordinated as ONO-donor ligand in 1-3 and behave as a neutral, dianionic and monoanionic ligand in compounds 1, 2 and 3, respectively. There is a good agreement between spectroscopic properties and structures of the compounds. Several synthetic attempts indicated that the azide anion has considerable effect on the formation of phenolate bridged dinuclear Mn(II) coordination compound which attributed to its general basic properties. Magnetic measurements indicate the formation of dinuclear molecules with ferromagnetic intramolecular couplings in the case of 2 and 3 as well as with much weaker and distributed antiferromagnetic interactions among the dinuclear units of these compounds. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

This work investigates the structural, magnetic and magneto-optical properties of a new zinc phosphate-tellurite glass belonging to the 45ZnO-10Al(2)O(3)-40P(2)O(5)-5TeO(2)system. The glass was prepared by a wet method of processing the starting reagents followed by suitable melting-stirring-quenching-annealing steps. Specific parameters such as density, average molecular mass, molar volume, oxygen packaging density, refractive index, molar refractivity, electronic polarizability, reflection loss, optical transmission, band gap and optical basicity have been reported together with thermal, magnetic and magneto-optical characteristics. Absorption bands appear in the blue and red visible region, while over 600 nm the glass becomes more transparent. FTIR and Raman spectra evidenced phosphate-tellurite vibration modes proving the P(2)O(5)and TeO(2)network forming role. Magnetic measurements reveal the diamagnetic character of the Te-doped glass with an additional weak ferromagnetic signal, specific to diluted ferromagnetic oxides. Positive Faraday rotation angle with monotonous decreasing value at increasing wavelength was evidenced from magneto-optical measurements. The final product is a composite material comprising of a non-crystalline vitreous phase and Te-based nanoclusters accompanied by oxygen vacancies. The metallic-like Te colloids are responsible for the dark reddish color of the glass whereas the accompanying oxygen vacancies might be responsible for the weak ferromagnetic signal persisting up to room temperature.

Issues related to the optimization of heat transfer mechanisms dominated by superparamagnetic relaxation are considered in the case of AC (alternating current) magnetic field hyperthermia procedures. The key role in the conversion of electromagnetic energy to the thermal one via the superparamagnetic relaxation mechanism is played by the magnetic anisotropy of nanoparticles, easily to be controlled via the shape anisotropy component. The optimization process has been discussed in the case of magnetite (Fe3O4) ellipsoidal nanoparticles with dominant shape anisotropy dispersed in different media. Nanoparticles of different sizes and aspect ratios have been considered in correlation with those specific parameters of the actuating AC magnetic field which respect an established biological safely criterion. It has been proven that the dissipated power can be maximized for a given set of biological compatible RF (radiofrequency) field parameters (frequency and field amplitude at the sample space) only for specific pairs of particle sizes and aspect ratios. For instance, it has been shown that ellipsoidal magnetite nanoparticles with 10 nm equatorial size and aspect ratio of 2 are optimal for a maximum transferred power under radiofrequency excitations of 250 kHz and field amplitude of 20 kA/m, if high viscosity dispersion media are used. The methodology for deriving the optimal shape (geometrical) parameters of a specific type of nanoparticles in conditions of using available radiofrequency excitations, or vice versa, for deriving the optimal radiofrequency working parameters in the case of ferrofluids with specific nanoparticles (type and geometry) is described and discussed in detail.

Nanocomposites of polyvinylidene fluoride loaded with various amounts of gamma-Fe2O nanoparticles, with an average size ranging between 20 and 40 nm, have been obtained by melt mixing and investigated using various experimental techniques [Superconducting Quantum Interference Device, Mossbauer, and Thermogravimetric Analysis]. Magnetic and Mossbauer measurements confirmed the presence of maghemite and a trace of a paramagnetic iron compound. Magnetic data are consistent with a blocking temperature close to room temperature (RT), showing a decrease in the coercive field as the temperature is increased. A weak exchange bias was noticed in all nanocomposites investigated at all temperatures and tentatively ascribed to surface spin disorder. The temperature dependence of the coercive field obeys the Kneller law. The nanocomposites exhibit superparamagnetic behavior near RT. Most magnetic measurements have been performed below the blocking temperature, revealing thus a complex behavior. The dependence of the mass loss derivative versus temperature, as obtained by thermogravimetric analysis, exhibits a single peak due to the thermal degradation of the polymeric matrix. A weak increase in the thermal stability of the polymeric matrix upon loading with maghemite is reported.

Structural and magnetic properties of Fe oxide nanoparticles prepared by laser pyrolysis and annealed in high pressure hydrogen atmosphere were investigated. The annealing treatments were performed at 200 degrees C (sample A200C) and 300 degrees C (sample A300C). The as prepared sample, A, consists of nanoparticles with similar to 4 nm mean particle size and contains C (similar to 11 at.%), Fe and O. The Fe/O ratio is between gamma-Fe2O3 and Fe3O4 stoichiometric ratios. A change in the oxidation state, crystallinity and particle size is evidenced for the nanoparticles in sample A200C. The Fe oxide nanoparticles are completely reduced in sample A300C to alpha-Fe single phase. The blocking temperature increases from 106 K in A to 110 K in A200C and above room temperature in A300C, where strong inter-particle interactions are evidenced. Magnetic parameters, of interest for applications, have been considerably varied by the specific hydrogenation treatments, in direct connection to the induced specific changes of particle size, crystallinity and phase composition. For the A and A200C samples, a field cooling dependent unidirectional anisotropy was observed especially at low temperatures, supporting the presence of nanoparticles with core-shell-like structures. Surprisingly high M-S values, almost 50% higher than for bulk metallic Fe, were evidenced in sample A300C.

Magnetic iron oxides have been used in biomedical applications, such as contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging, carriers for controlled drug delivery and immunoassays, or magnetic hyperthermia for the past 40 years. Our aim is to investigate the effect of pressure and temperature on the structural, thermal, and magnetic properties of iron oxides prepared by hydrothermal synthesis at temperatures of 100-200 degrees C and pressures of 20-1000 bar. It has been found that pressure influences the type of iron oxide crystalline phase. Thus, the results obtained by Mossbauer characterization are in excellent agreement with X-ray diffraction and optical microscopy characterization, showing that, for lower pressure values (100 bar, the major crystalline phase is goethite. In addition, thermal analysis results are consistent with particle size analysis by X-ray diffraction, confirming the crystallization of the synthesized iron oxides. One order of magnitude higher magnetization has been obtained for sample synthesized at 1000 bar. The same sample provides after annealing treatment, the highest amount of good quality magnetite leading to a magnetization at saturation of 30 emu/g and a coercive field of 1000 Oe at 10 K and 450 Oe at 300 K, convenient for various applications.

Temperature dependent interfacial coupling mechanisms in SRO/BFO/Fe layered structures were investigated. The BFO/Fe heterostructures were prepared by PLD and sputtering, respectively, on the STO(0 0 1) substrate with a 20 nm SRO buffer layer. An annealing treatment in external magnetic field was further applied. Complex characterizations with X-ray diffraction, atomic force microscopy, Transmission Electron Microscopy, Mossbauer spectroscopy, magneto-optic Kerr effect and SQUID magnetometry were performed. Before annealing, the films show good crystallization and epitaxy of the SRO and BFO layers with smooth interfaces. Two coupling mechanisms of the ferromagnetic layers (top Fe and bottom SRO, respectively) to the epitaxial BFO film with mainly antiferromagnetic structure were evidenced in the as deposited samples at low temperatures. Negative exchange bias fields of up to 67(10) Oe and 37(5) Oe at low temperatures were observed for the two ferromagnetic components, respectively, depending on the thickness of the Fe layer. The field annealing treatments induce a specific morphology and magnetic spin structure at both interfaces of the BFO spacer layer, giving rise to a long range magnetostatic coupling between the two ferromagnetic films, in addition to the interfacial couplings. Moreover, the experimentally evidenced Fe clusters penetrating the BFO/Fe interface toward the BFO layer give support for this interaction. As an additional consequence, a considerable enhancement of both uniaxial and unidirectional anisotropies as well as an increased blocking temperature of exchange bias were obtained. The involved exchange coupling mechanisms were discussed in detail. (C) 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Polycrystalline ruthenium-doped lithium-copper-ferrite (Ru - LiCuFe2O4)nanoparticles (NPs) are synthesized using a simple and cost-effective chemical co-precipitation method and annealed at different temperatures for increasing the crystallinity. The transmission and scanning electron microscopy images have confirmed the presence of soft agglomerations and cuboids for the samples annealed at 1100 degrees C. X-ray photoelectron results along with Raman spectra have collectively demonstrated the presence of Ru in the structure of Ru - LiCuFe2O4 NPs. The dielectric properties of as-synthesized Ru - LiCuFe2O4 NPs are investigated using LCR meter where the smaller NPs demonstrates a higher dielectric constant. Also, the results of magnetic measurements of annealed Ru - LiCuFe2O4 NPs have corroborated a soft magnetic nature due to the pinning sites that endow lower coercivity, remanence and saturation magnetization than that of the pristine one. The variation of permittivity and electrical resistivity with respect to frequency under humidity conditions suggested that this material has a potential to use as capacitive and resistive humidity sensor. The results of this study open the doors for utilization of metal-doped magnetic ferrites for humidity sensing applications.

Ruthenium-doped copper ferrite(Ru - CuFe2O4) nanoparticles (NPs) have been synthesized using a simple and cost-effective wet chemical co-precipitation deposition method. The crystallographic scanning electron microscopy images confirm cubic crystal structure and agglomerated-type surface appearance. The crystallite sizes are 6-24 nm in the range. Dielectric measurement analysis estimates the dielectric constant and loss of Ru - CuFe2O4 NPs. In this connection, dielectric constant and loss are reduced virtue of air annealing for various temperatures. Also, the dielectric loss confirms the relaxation peak. From magnetic measurement results, the coercivity decreases whereas saturation and remanence magnetization are increased. These features have approved the soft magnetic nature in the Ru - CuFe2O4 NPs.

The work is dedicated to the investigation of optical, structural, magnetic and magneto-optical properties of an aluminophosphate glass doped with Dy3+ ions, for specific applications as Faraday rotators in the visible spectral domain. The vitreous material belongs to the 16Li(2)O-8Al(2)O(3)-6BaO center dot 60P(2)O(5)-10Dy(2)O(3) system. Optical homogeneity measured by a polariscopic method, as well as by polarimetry and interferometry revealed an optical quality glass. Time dependent electrical conductance measurements have shown a high chemical strength of the glass. Optical absorption of the doped glass in the visible domain evidenced the specific absorption lines of dysprosium ions, whereas structural investigations made by FTIR and Raman spectroscopy put in evidence the vitreous network forming role of phosphorous pentoxide. Magnetic and magneto-optical measurements demonstrated paramagnetic features of the doped glass, as well as a Verdet constant of about -0.05 min/Oe/cm at 600 nm wavelength.

We report studies of quasi-remanent polarization states in Pb0.99Nb0.02[(Zr0.57Sn0.43)(0.94)Ti-0.06](0.98)O-3 (PNZST) anti-ferroelectric ceramics and investigation of their relaxation effects using unique in-situ electrically activated time-resolved Synchrotron X-ray powder diffraction (SXPD) and Sn-119 Mossbauer Spectroscopy (MS). The SXPD patterns are consistent with a phase transition from quasi-tetragonal perovskite in 0 V relaxed anti-ferroelectric state to rhombohedral distortion in ferroelectric state under saturating applied voltages of +/- 2 kV. The observed quasi-remanent polarization relaxation processes are due to the fact that tetragonal to rhombohedral distortion does not occur at the applied voltage required to access the quasiremanent polarization states, and the tetragonal symmetry restored after the removal of the applied electric field is preserved. Since these quasi-remanent polarization states were seen as possibly suitable for memory applications, the implications of this study are that anti-ferroelectrics are more feasible for multi-state dynamic random access memories (DRAM), while their application to non-volatile memories requires development of more sophisticated "read-out" protocols, possibly involving dc electrical biasing.

A critical discussion on the presently available models for the relaxation time of magnetic nanoparticles approaching the superparamagnetic regime in the presence of interparticle dipolar interactions is considered. The direct implications of such interactions for magnetic fluid hyperthermia therapy through susceptibility loss mechanisms give rise to an indirect method for their study via specific absorption rate measurements performed on ferrofluids of different volume fractions. The theoretical support for the specific evolution of the relaxation time constant and the anisotropy energy barrier versus the interparticle interactions in a perturbation approach of the simple Neel expression for the relaxation time is provided via static and time-dependent micromagnetic simulations.

The reaction of manganese(II) chloride tetrahydrate with sodium azide and ONO-donor hydrazone ligand, (H2L = (E)-3-hydroxy-N'-((2)-4-hydroxy-4-phenylbut-3-en-2-ylidene)-2-naphthohydrazide), in methanol gives rise to the formation of red crystals which are stable out of the solvent. The red crystals slowly transform to brown crystals in the methanolic solution. In the last case, the rate of the transformation from red to brown crystals mainly depends on the presence of molecular oxygen and reaction temperature. Both compounds are characterized by elemental analysis, spectroscopic methods and single crystal X-ray diffraction studies. The X-ray analysis indicates that the red crystals consist of a tetranuclear Mn(II) complex molecules, [Mn-4(H0.5L)(4) (mu(1.3)-N-3)(2)(CH3OH)(4)] (1), while the brown crystals consist of dinucelar Mn(III), [Mn2L2(mu(1.1)-OCH3)(1.5)(mu(1.1)-N-3)(0.5)] (2) molecules. In complex 1 with molecules of D2 (222) point symmetry, four Mn(II) ions are connected together by four ONO-donor hydrazone ligands and two end-to-end (EE) bridging azide anions. In complex 2 two Mn(III) ions are connected together by azide or methoxy bridging groups. Magnetic susceptibility measurements on complex 1 reveal the occurrence of antiferromagnetic couplings through azide ligands and enolate oxygen atom of the ligand in which the magnetic coupling constants have been determined. (C) 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The electronic, magnetic and optical properties of doped CdS:Mn and co-doped CdS:Mn, Cr cubic structures were studied via Density Functional Theory and subsequently compared with the properties of undoped CdS. The doped compound presents semiconducting character similar to the undoped CdS, while the co-doped compound exhibits half metallic properties with a high spin polarization at the Fermi energy. The magnetic moments as well as the trend of magnetic exchange parameters of CdS:Mn and CdS:Mn,Cr, have been analyzed, in addition to the dielectric functions, by starting from calculated density of states for spin polarized configurations. The calculated absorption coefficients lead to direct information on the spectral energy distribution in the range of optoelectronic applications. The optical band gaps of doped and co-doped compounds are higher as compared to the undoped CdS, making the first compounds more interesting for possible technological applications for high density magneto-optical recording. (C) 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Ce3+ and Tb3+-doped silico-phosphate films were obtained by using the sol-gel method, followed by the spin-coating deposition on silicon substrate. The homogeneity of the films was investigated by the conoscopy method. It was observed that the analysed films are isotropic but relatively inhomogeneous due to the specificity of the deposition technique. The morphology of the sol-gel films was investigated by Scanning Electron Microscopy and Atomic Force Microscopy. The elemental composition was determined by Energy Dispersive X-ray analysis. The magneto-optical investigations evidenced the capability of Ce and Tb-doped films of less than 2 mu m thickness to produce measurable Kerr rotations of 1 mdeg/T and 0.28 mdeg/T, respectively. (C) 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Arrays of magnetic Ni-Cu alloy nanowires with different compositions were prepared by a template-replication technique using electrochemical deposition into polycarbonate nanoporous membranes. Photolithography was employed for obtaining interdigitated metallic electrode systems of Ti/Au onto SiO2/Si substrates and subsequent electron beam lithography was used for contacting single nanowires in order to investigate their galvano-magnetic properties. The results of the magnetoresistance measurements made on single Ni-Cu alloy nanowires of different compositions have been reported and discussed in detail. A direct methodology for transforming the magnetoresistance data into the corresponding magnetic hysteresis loops was proposed, opening new possibilities for an easy magnetic investigation of single magnetic nanowires in the peculiar cases of Stoner-Wohlfarth-like magnetization reversal mechanisms. The magnetic parameters of single Ni-Cu nanowires of different Ni content have been estimated and discussed by the interpretation of the as derived magnetic hysteresis loops via micromagnetic modeling. It has been theoretically proven that the proposed methodology can be applied over a large range of nanowire diameters if the measurement geometry is suitably chosen.

Arrays of Ni submicron wires surrounded by poly (vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) submicron tubes were prepared via solution-processed polymer and Ni electrodeposition into anodic aluminum oxide template. The PVDF solution was filtered in vacuum through the template and the resulting dried structure was used for the electrodeposition of Ni wires. The obtained core-shell submicron wire structure consists of a metallic magnetic nanowire core of about 50 mu m in length and about 300 nm diameter surrounded by a polymer tube shell with thickness less than 10 nm. The specific ferroelectric beta-phase of the polymer was obtained whereas the magnetic behavior of the Ni-cores was proven to be specific to an array of ferromagnetic Ni cylindrical wires (about 0.62 mu(B)/Ni atom) with magnetization reversal mechanisms dominated by dipolar interactions and domain wall displacements. No significant differences of the magnetization reversal mechanism were observed in case of Ni submicron wires surrounded by PVDF tubes and similar Ni wires without PVDF shell, suggesting that magneto-coupling effects in such systems might be observed only by measuring the perturbation of the electric state of the polymer shell under a magnetic excitation of the Ni cores.

Synthesis and characterization of iron oxide nanoparticles coated with a large molar weight dextran for environmental applications are reported. The first experiments involved the synthesis of iron oxide nanoparticles which were coated with dextran at different concentrations. The synthesis was performed by a co-precipitation technique, while the coating of iron oxide nanoparticles was carried out in solution. The obtained nanoparticles were characterized by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction spectrometry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and superconducting quantum interference device magnetometry. The results demonstrated a successful coating of iron oxide nanoparticles with large molar weight dextran, of which agglomeration tendency depended on the amount of dextran in the coating solution. SEM and TEM observations have shown that the iron oxide nanoparticles are of about 7 nm in size.

Local atomic configuration, phase composition and atomic intermixing in Fe-rich Fe1-xCrx and Fe1-xMox ribbons (x = 0.05, 0.10, 0.15), of potential interest for high-temperature applications and nuclear devices, are investigated in this study in relation to specific processing and annealing routes. The Fe-based thin ribbons have been prepared by induction melting, followed by melt spinning and further annealed in He at temperatures up to 1250 degrees C. The complex structural, compositional and atomic configuration characterisation has been performed by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission Mossbauer spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry (TG-DSC). The XRD analysis indicates the formation of the desired solid solutions with body-centred cubic (bcc) structure in the as-quenched state. The Mossbauer spectroscopy results have been analysed in terms of the two-shell model. The distribution of Cr/Mo atoms in the first two coordination spheres is not homogeneous, especially after annealing, as supported by the short-range order parameters. In addition, high-temperature annealing treatments give rise to oxidation of Fe (to haematite, maghemite and magnetite) at the surface of the ribbons. Fe1-xCrx alloys are structurally more stable than the Mo counterpart under annealing at 700 degrees C. Annealing at 1250 degrees C in He enhances drastically the Cr clustering around Fe nuclei.

New magneto-optical vitreous materials were obtained by melting-quenching technique comprising wet route raw materials preparation. The glass has the following composition in oxide mol. % 10 Li2O, 9 Al2O3, 5 ZnO, (35; 20; 50) B2O3,,(35; 50; 20) P2O5, 3 Bi2O3, 3 PbO, phosphorus and boron oxide being the vitreous network formers. It was also prepared a similar reference glass composition but without Bi2O3 and PbO. Optical and structural characterization by ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) and Raman Spectroscopy of the bulk glasses showed a transmission over 90%, metaphosphate structure of glass together with Q(2) boron oxide units and P-O-B bonds. The mechanical parameters, hardness (H), Youngs modulus (E) and fracture toughness (KO of boron phosphate glasses, evaluated by micro- and nanoindentation techniques, demonstrated mostly higher values in comparison with those for alumino-phosphate glasses due to mixed borophosphate network. Thermal behavior was investigated by Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) putting in evidence the vitreous transition temperature which decreases with about 45 degrees C when Bi and Pb oxides were added and two crystallization effects. The diamagnetic character of a highly transparent Bi and Pb oxide co doped boron phosphate glass was confirmed by ellipsometry, and the glass presented high magneto-optical properties at the top of the commercial bulk products.

Distribution of magnetic relaxation time using Mossbauer spectroscopy has been observed for CoFe2-xCrxO4 (0.1 <= x <= 0.4) annealed at lower temperature (<= 400 degrees C). The estimated cation distribution over A and B sites observed by Mossbauer spectroscopy is consistent with that obtained by the Rietveld analysis of the X-ray diffraction patterns. Saturation magnetization and magnetocrystalline anisotropy constant increase up to 20% of Cr (x = 0.2) substitution and, decrease with further increase of x. However, the coercive field as well as the Neel temperature decreases with increase in Cr3+ concentration, i.e., a crossover from the hard magnetic to soft magnetic nature by Cr substitution at the Fe site of CoFe2O4 has been observed. This behavior is attributed to the competition between strain induced magnetism and superexchange interaction between cations. (C) 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Bi3+, Pb2+ and Bi3+-Pb2+-containing aluminophosphate glasses were obtained by unconventional wet method, the molar formula of the glasses being: i) 58LiPO(3), 29Al(PO3)(3), 10Ba(PO3)(2), 3Bi(2)O(3); ii) 58LiPO(3), 29Al(PO3)(3), 10Ba(PO3)(2), 3PbO and iii) 6LiPO(3), 3Al(PO3)(3), 1Ba(PO3)(2), 10Bi(PO3)(3), 80Pb(PO3)(2). The glass samples were investigated to determine the density, the thermal expansion coefficients and the chemical stability. The magnetic measurements for Bi and Pb-single doped glasses revealed a diamagnetic behavior and those of Bi-Pb-containing glass disclosed a diamagnetic behavior superposed a small paramagnetic contribution, observed in low magnetic fields that can be attributed to the impurities presented in the matrix. The Verdet constant for the analyzed glasses appeared to have positive values proving a diamagnetic behavior of the investigated material. (C) 2016 Published by Elsevier B.V.

The specific magnetic structure and magnetic relaxation phenomena in magnetite nanoentities grown in a glassy matrix by controlled crystallization of Fe-containing borosilicate and boroaluminosilicate glasses in the presence of two types of nucleating agents, Cr2O3 and P2O5, were investigated. The structure, morphology and magnetic properties are strongly influenced by the nucleating agents. Cr2O3 generates magnetite-based glass ceramics with magnetite configurations showing an upward relaxation of magnetization at low and high temperatures but downward at intermediate temperatures. The magnetite grown with P2O5 displays only downward relaxation but with different signs of the temperature derivative of the relaxation rate S in different temperature ranges. The observed effects are discussed with respect to the following factors: i) the existence of a multimodal size distribution of the magnetite (nano)particles as revealed by high resolution electron microscopy; ii) the degree of occupation of different sublattices of the magnetite structure with Fe3+ and Fe2+ ions; and the interplay between the relaxation mechanisms in different temperature ranges.

Reduced-activation steels such as Eurofer alloys are candidates for supporting plasma facing components into kamak-like nuclear fusion reactors. In order to investigate the impact of hydrogen/deuterium insertion in their crystalline lattice, annealing treatments in hydrogen atmosphere have been applied on Eurofer slabs. The resulting samples have been analyzed with respect to local structure and atomic configuration both before and after successive annealing treatments, by X-ray diffractometry (XRD), scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and conversion electron Mossbauer spectroscopy (CEMS). The corroborated data point out for a bcc type structure of the non-hydrogenated alloy, with an average alloy composition approaching Fe0.9Cr0.1 along a depth of about 100 nm. EDS elemental maps do not indicate surface inhomogeneities in concentration whereas the Mossbauer spectra prove significant deviations from a homogeneous alloying. The hydrogenation increases the expulsion of the Cr atoms toward the surface layer and decreases their oxidation, with considerable influence on the surface properties of the steel. The hydrogenation treatment is therefore proposed as a potential alternative for a convenient engineering of the surface of different Fe-Cr based alloys.(C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Different aspects related to the sol-gel preparation and structural investigation of silico-phosphate glasses (SiO2-P2O5 system) doped with Fe ions are reported. During the preparation process, tetraethoxysilane was used as a precursor for SiO2 and phosphoric acid (H3PO4-HP) for P2O5. Ferric chloride was used as precursor for Fe ions, water as reagent for hydrolysis reaction and ethylic alcohol as solvent. The pH of the sols was modified by adding hydrochloric acid and ammonia. It was observed that a slight increase of the solution temperature (up to 40 degrees C) allows a drastic decrease of the gelation time (from days to hours). The structure of the obtained powders dried in air at room temperature and at 100 degrees C for 10 h and subsequently thermally treated at different temperatures was investigated by Fourier transformed infrared (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy. Vibration modes specific to Si-O-Et, Si-OH, PO-P, P-O-Si, hydrogen bonds and H2O, as well as combined modes have been observed. The local structure and electron configurations of the doping Fe ions have been investigated by Fe-57 Mossbauer spectroscopy.

The recent progress in the theory of generalised Lambert functions makes possible to solve exactly the Weiss equation of ferromagnetism. However, this solution is quite inconvenient for practical purposes. Precise approximate analytical solutions are obtained, giving the temperature dependence of the spontaneous magnetization, and also the dependence of the magnetization on both temperature and external magnetic field. The experimental relevance of these results, mainly for the determination of the Curie temperature, is discussed.

Peculiarities of the magnetization reversal process in cylindrical Ni-Cu soft magnetic nanowires with dominant shape anisotropy are analyzed via both static and time dependent micromagnetic simulations. A reversible process involving acoherent-like spin rotation is always observed for magnetic fields applied perpendicularly to the easy axis whereas nucleation of domain walls is introduced for fields applied along the easy axis. Simple criteria for making distinction between a Stoner-Wohlfarth type rotation and a nucleation mechanism in systems with uniaxial magnetic anisotropy are discussed. Superposed reversal mechanisms can be in action for magnetic fields applied at arbitrary angles with respect to the easy axis within the condition of an enough strong axial component required by the nucleation. The dynamics of the domain wall, involving two different stages (nucleation and propagation), is discussed with respect to initial computing conditions and orientations of the magnetic field. A nucleation time of about 3 ns and corkscrew domain walls propagating with a constant velocity of about 150 m/s are obtained in case of Ni-Cu alloy (Ni rich side) NWs with diameters of 40 nm and high aspect ratio.

A comparative study of morpho-structural, magnetic and magneto-transport properties of two Fe-Au granular films with different concentrations of Fe nanoclusters of almost similar size is reported. Different organizations of the Fe clusters, i.e. in lamellar-like or random-like configuration, were obtained by varying the amount of Fe in the Fe-Au films. The specific magnetic behaviour was investigated with respect to local structure and morpho-structural aspects by combining magneto-optic Kerr effect and superconducting quantum interference device magnetometry, Fe-57 conversion electron Mossbauer spectroscopy and a wide range of electron microscopy techniques. A strong in-plane magnetic texture with uniaxial anisotropy was observed in the case of the lamellar-like organization of the clusters (specific to the Fe-Au film with higher Fe concentration) whereas a superparamagnetic behaviour was evidenced in the case of random distribution of the clusters (specific to the Fe-Au film with lower Fe concentration), despite the similar average size of the clusters in the two samples. Specific magnetoresistance effects were investigated with respect to both the involved magnetic configurations and magnetic interactions of the Fe clusters.

The phase structure and magnetic properties of magnetite-based glass-ceramics obtained by crystallization of Fe-containing boroaluminosilicate glass melts are presented. The use of Cr2O3 as nucleating agent generated magnetite configurations showing a complex temperature dependence of the relaxation of the remanent magnetization. Specifically, the expected decrease in time of the remanent magnetization occurs only in a limited temperature range, whereas it increases at low and high temperatures (upward relaxation). We tentatively attribute these effects to the complex spin structure of the tiny magnetite nanoparticles, their complex size distribution and the interplay between the relaxation mechanisms in different temperature ranges. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

We have developed a thin film structure with a maximum magnetoresistance effect (MRE) at room temperature, which is one of the operating requirements for many applications. It is shown that La0.67Ba0.33Ti0.02Mn0.98O3 epilayers obtained by pulsed laser deposition onto (001) SrTiO3 single crystal substrates exhibit the highest MRE, Delta R/R(H) approximate to 150% or Delta R/R(0) approximate to 60% under 5 T, at 300 K, a temperature near to the corresponding Curie temperature (T-C). Both doping with a tiny amount of titanium and induced stress due to lattice mismatch between the thin film and the substrate contribute to a decrease in T-C as compared to the pristine compound and therefore to the decrease in the temperature where the highest MRE is recorded. Published by AIP Publishing.

TiO2 nanoparticles, undoped and doped with Fe, have been prepared by laser pyrolysis and further investigated with respect to morphological, structural and magnetic aspects by transmission electron microscopy, diffractometry, Mossbauer spectroscopy, and magnetometry. The obtained nanoparticles, consisting of mainly anatase phase, agglomerate in clusters of tenths of units and present a large size distribution in the range from 5 to 40 nm. The anatase to rutile weight ratio (about 9) and the morphology of particles is similar in all analyzed samples (doped by up to 12 0,0 at. % Fe). Only Fe3+ ions in high spin-configuration were observed mainly at the, surface of TiO2 nanoparticles, either distributed or forming fine clusters of Fe oxide.;:Both a paramagnetic phase and a superparamagnetic one with blocking temperature lower than 50 K are superposed over a long-range ferromagnetic phase specific to diluted magnetic oxide systems. The influence of doping Fe ions on the magnetic behavior of each phase is discussed in detail. Evidences for interface exchange couplings (with unidirectional anisotropy in specific conditions) between the long-range ferromagnetic phase and the fine clusters (antiferromagnetic in nature), which become frozen below temperature of 50, K, are provided. The specificity of the processing route and the physical mechanisms responsible observed relevant magnetic features, which can be tailored for suitable applications, are discussed.

The source of collective magnetism in II-VI semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) doped with Mn2+ ions at high nominal impurity levels is still under debate. In the particular case of mesoporous, self-assembled cubic ZnS:Mn QDs, quantitative electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) studies have shown that the Mn2+ ions incorporated in the core and on the surface of the QDs cannot be responsible for the observed collective magnetism because they remain in a diluted paramagnetic state up to the 50 000 ppm nominal concentration. Here we investigate the composition, localization, structure, and magnetic properties of the aggregates of Mn2+ ions incorporated in the mesoporous cZnS:Mn as a possible source of the observed collective magnetism. Samples of mesoporous cubic ZnS:Mn prepared by coprecipitation at several nominal impurity levels from 200 to 50 000 ppm are investigated by EPR, magnetometry, and analytical high resolution (scanning) transmission electron microscopy. The low temperature magnetic properties of the Mn2+ aggregates change from paramagnetic-like, for samples with nominal impurity levels up to 2000 ppm, to ones specific to larger clusters with distributed antiferromagnetic coupling at higher concentrations, behaving superparamagnetically above a certain temperature. There is also strong evidence that the Mn2+ aggregates responsible for the observed low temperature collective magnetism are incorporated as an amorphous phase of mainly Mn-Zn-O composition, localized in the interstices and pores of the mesoporous structure of the cubic ZnS:Mn QDs.

Be/W and W/Be bilayers, of interest in regard to the specific behavior of plasma facing components (PFCs) were deposited on Si substrates by thermionic vacuum arc, with Fe, Fe-Cr and Fe-Cr-Al interlayers. The interlayers, with compositions approaching the one of the reduced activation steels used in supporting PFCs, were subsequently annealed in hydrogen atmosphere. The multilayers were characterized with respect to morphologic, structural, diffusional and atomic intermixing aspects via XRD, XRR, X-ray photoemission spectroscopy and Mossbauer spectroscopy. All as-prepared samples present partially amorphous structures. A main alpha-Fe phase is observed, as well as (superparamagnetic) secondary Fe oxides, metallic Fe with Si, Cr, W and Be neighbors, Be-rich Fe-Be and Fe-Si phases. High amounts of tungsten and tungsten oxides were also evidenced in the Fe layer. The strong atomic intermixing of W and Be layers was indirectly supported by the unusual densities of Wand Be layers and Fe-57 Mossbauer spectroscopy results. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Epitaxial La0.67Ba0.33Ti0.02Mn0.98O3 (denoted as LBTMO hereafter) thin films of approximately 95 nm thickness were deposited by a pulsed laser deposition technique onto SrTiO3 (STO) (001) substrates. High-resolution X-ray diffraction (HRXRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) investigations revealed that the films are epilayers with a four-fold symmetry around the [001] direction. Cross-sectional TEM and the presence of Pendellosung fringes in the XRD profiles demonstrate smooth interfaces. The STO substrate induces an in-plane compressive strain, which leads to a slight tetragonality of the film structure. The epilayers exhibit paramagnetic-to-ferromagnetic phase transitions at the Curie temperature T-C (286 K), close to room temperature. The magnetization easy axis lies in the film plane along the [100] direction of the (001) substrate. The magnetic entropy change (Delta S-M) associated with the second-order magnetic phase transition was determined via magnetization measurements in the temperature range between 210 and 350 K under different magnetic fields. The relative cooling power (RCP) of this film is about 220 J kg(-1), somewhat lower than that of bulk Gd (410 J kg(-1)) for a 50 kOe field change, making the LBTMO ferromagnetic thin films a promising candidate for micro/nanomagnetic refrigeration around room temperature. The proposed universal curve provides a simple method for extrapolating Delta S-M in a wide range of fields and temperatures, thus confirming the order of the magnetic transition in this system. The magnetic entropy (Delta S-M)(max) around T-C is proportional to (mu H-0/T-C)(2/3) in agreement with the mean-field theory, indicating the existence of long-range ferromagnetic interactions in epitaxial LBTMO thin films.

The specific morphology and magnetic properties of magnetite-based glass-ceramics obtained by crystallization of Fe-containing borosilicate glassmelts in the presence of P2O5 as nucleating agent are investigated. We found that the distribution of the tiny nanoparticles of magnetite determines the low temperature response to magnetic field. The observed effects are discussed with respect to the following factors: (1) the existence of a multimodal size distribution of the tiny grains as revealed by Mossbauer spectroscopy, magnetometry, and high-resolution electron microscopy; (2) the existence of a disordered layer at the grain surface which is driven by field in a magnetically ordered state; and (3) the interplay between the relaxation mechanisms in different temperature ranges.

The crystal structure, electronic and magnetic properties of predicted new full-Heusler compounds Zr(2)MnZ (Z=Al, Ga, In) were studied within the density functional theory (DFT) framework. These materials exhibit unique properties that connect the spin gapless semiconducting character with the completely compensated ferrimagnetism. Magnetically ordered Zr(2)MnZ (Z=Al, Ga, In) compounds crystallize in inverse Heusler structure are stable against decomposition and have zero magnetic moment per formula unit, in agreement with Slater-Pauling rule. The Zr2MnAl compound presents semiconducting properties with an energy band gap of 0.41 eV in the majority spin channel and a zero band gap in the minority spin channel. By substituting completely the Al in Zr2MnAl via Ga and In elements, semiconducting pseudo band gaps are formed in the majority spin channels due to different neighborhoods around the manganese atoms, which decreases the energy of Mn triple degenerated anti-bonding states. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A quantitative treatment of the effects of magnetic mutual interactions on the specific absorption rate of a superparamagnetic system of iron oxide nanoparticles coated with oleic acid is reported. The nanoparticle concentration of the considered ferrofluid samples varied from a very low (0.005) to a medium (0.16) value of the volume fraction, whereas the amplitude of the exciting AC magnetic field ranged from 14-35 kA m(-1). It was proved that a direct effect of the interparticle interactions resides in the regime of the modified superparamagnetism, dealing, besides the usual increase in the anisotropy energy barrier per nanoparticle, with the decrease in the specific time constant tau(0) of the relaxation law, usually considered as a material constant. Consequently, the increase in the specific absorption rate versus the volume fraction is significantly diminished in the presence of the interparticle interactions compared to the case of non-interacting superparamagnetic nanoparticles, with direct influence on the magnetic hyperthermia efficiency.

Aluminophosphate glasses from the Li2O-BaO-Al2O3-P2O5 system with the addition of nonmagnetic and paramagnetic rare earth ions, were prepared using a wet nonconventional method to process the raw materials, followed by a melting-quenching procedure. The glasses obtained were characterized with respect to their magnetic and magneto-optical properties using superconducting quantum interference device magnetometry and spectroscopic ellipsometry. The assumption of a linear dependence of the Verdet constant on the magnetic susceptibility, with a proportionality constant dependent on the type of vitreous matrix and doping ion, is critically discussed. The diamagnetic and paramagnetic contributions to the Faraday rotation were separately analyzed and specific designs for optimal active and passive elements are proposed.

Fe and Fe-Cr-Al thin films, both as sputtered on Si substrates as well as after subsequent annealing treatments in hydrogen atmosphere, have been investigated by means of X-ray reflectometry, magneto-optic Kerr effect and Mossbauer spectroscopy with respect to structural and related magnetic characteristics. The as deposited films are showing chemically disordered bcc structures, assigned to Fe-Si and Fe-Cr-Al-Si phases, respectively, with soft magnetism and magnetic texture, both influenced by the presence of Si, Cr and Al atoms. The softness of the films as well as the magnetic texture are strongly modified via hydrogenation treatments. In addition, such treatments induce the expulsion of Si, Cr and Al atoms from the as deposited phases, providing almost pure Fe films of much well crystallized bcc structure.

The role of iron doping on magnetic properties of hydrothermal anatase TiO2:Fe-57 (0-1 at. %) nanoparticles is investigated by combining superconducting quantum interference device magnetometry with Mossbauer and electron paramagnetic resonance techniques. The results on both as-prepared and thermally treated samples in reduced air atmosphere reveal complexity of magnetic interactions, in connection to certain iron ion electron configurations and defects (oxygen vacancies, F-center, and Ti3+ ions). The distribution of iron ions is predominantly at nanoparticle surface layers. Formation of weak ferromagnetic domains up to 380 K is mainly related to defects, supporting the bound magnetic polaron model. (C) 2015 AIP Publishing LLC.

Atomic intermixing processes in relation to structural aspects and phase formation in Be based thin films subjected to different annealing treatments simulating the case of re-deposited layered structures on plasma facing components in nuclear fusion devices are reported. Accordingly, bilayers of Be/W and Be/C have been deposited on Si(001) substrates with Fe buffer layers. The Fe films have been prepared by radiofrequency sputtering and further processed by annealing in hydrogen atmosphere at 300 degrees C, for 90 min, at a pressure of 10 bars of H-2. After the Be/W and Be/C bilayer deposition by means of thermionic vacuum arc method, annealing in vacuum at 600 degrees C, for 10 min has been applied to the complex structures. The influence of annealing on the phase composition and atomic intermixing processes in the complex structures has been studied by means of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and conversion electron Mossbauer spectroscopy (CEMS). The layered structures present an oxidation gradient with oxide phases in the uppermost layers and non-oxidized phases in the lower layers, as observed from the XPS data. The CEMS results revealed that the as-deposited structures contain a main metallic Fe phase and secondary superparamagnetic Fe oxide phases at the Fe/Be interface, while annealed samples present a large contribution of Fe-Be and Fe-C mixtures. The annealing treatment induces considerable atomic interdiffusion, strongly dependent on the nature of the upper layer. In the case of Be/W system, the annealing provides a much rougher Be/W interface, while in case of the Be/C structure, the annealing treatment only homogenize the structure over the whole depth. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The content of defects in Bi4Ge3O12 (BGO) glass-ceramic materials together with their ordering during crystallization induces ferromagnetic behaviours in these materials. The observed ferromagnetism has to be associated strictly with the GeO4 related defects in the atypical amorphous phase. The photoluminescence of BGO glass-ceramic materials can give useful information about the nature of defects, especially the oxygen vacancies from the GeO4 tetrahedra and Bi4Ge3O12 cubic structures. The concentration of these defects depends on annealing between 600 degrees C and 700 degrees C where orthorhombic and cubic phases coexist. The magnetization at saturation is higher in the samples dominated by the amorphous phase and the strength of the exchange interaction is higher in the samples dominated by the cubic phase, obtained over 700 degrees C, when the GeO4 tetrahedra are rearranged during crystallization together with their oxygen vacancies. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Homogeneous hybrids in which iron oxide nanoparticles are entrapped within polymer structure are of interest for their potential applications in biomedical field, such as diagnostic, therapeutic and theranostic purposes. For this reason, hybrid nanomaterials based on branched polyethyleneimine (PEI) and iron oxide with different ratios were synthesized in a single step by hydrothermal procedure at high pressure and low temperature. Iron oxide is formed in the presence of branched PEI and the interaction between them takes place in the reaction medium. The influence of synthesis parameters on the hybrid formation, as well as chemical and structural properties was studied by means of FTIR, DSC-TG, HRTEM, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), magnetic measurements (SQUID) and Fe-57 Mossbauer analyses. It has been shown that synthesis parameters influence thermal stability and morphology of the hybrids. FeO(OH) crystallites of 2-5 nm are formed. Iron oxyhydroxide nanoparticles strongly entrapped in PEI structure are obtained. The low and distributed values of the specific spontaneous magnetisation in samples prepared under the same pressure conditions support the presence of very fine FeO(OH) nanoparticles, which formation and magnetic properties are depending on the mass ratio between iron oxide and PEI. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Previous studies have shown that the magnetic parameters of the Romanian loess/paleosol sequences have recorded Quaternary glacial/interglacial cycles over the last 600 kyr. Previous rock magnetic investigations pointed out that the magnetic enhancement in Romanian loess sequences is mainly due to pedogenic magnetite close to superparamagnetic/stable single domain boundary. We report the first reconstruction of grain size distribution (GSD) of the superparamagnetic (SP) particles for two Romanian loess deposits, Costinesti and Mircea Voda, located in the Dobrogea Plateau between the Danube River and the Black Sea. The GSDs were obtained using both the wide-band frequency spectrum of magnetic susceptibility (FSMS) method and low temperature Mossbauer spectroscopy. The FSMS method shows that the SP particles are present both in loess and paleosols. The GSDs in loess are shifted to slightly higher diameters with respect to paleosols. The concentration of SP particles has an opposite trend. The largest value is reached in the forest paleosol and the lowest in the loess samples. Both loess and paleosols indicated almost the same dominant grain size (about 17 nm in paleosols and 18 nm in loess samples). However the GSD shapes in loess are different than those found in paleosols. in the paleosols, the shape of GSDs seems to be independent of climate and degree of pedogenesis. These factors control only the concentration of SP particles present in each paleosol. Temperature dependent Mossbauer spectroscopy also supports the presence of SP particles both in loess and paleosol with a mean diameter around 13-14 nm. Dispersion of the diameters in the case of Mossbauer spectroscopy varies from sample to sample being probably affected by random surface defects. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A new methodology for the accurate determination of the specific absorption rate of ferrofluids with magnetite nanoparticles of average size of about 10 nm subjected to alternative current magnetic fields is proposed. A simple numerical compensation of the heating rates by the cooling rates obtained at similar temperatures is employed. Comparisons of the as-obtained adiabatic heating curves with theoretical evaluations are discussed.

The present work addresses the shape memory and (ferro) magnetic properties of Fe52Ni29-xCo15+xTi4 (with x=0, 3 and 6) alloys. The analysed samples were prepared as ribbons by the melt spinning method and subjected to thermal treatments. X-ray diffraction, DSC, thermomagnetic measurements and Mossbauer spectroscopy were used for a complete structural and magnetic characterization. Both the preparation route and the different Co addition induce specific effects which are discussed in detail. The sample with x=0 sustains an irreversible transformation, while a partial reversible transformation and a relatively increased Curie temperature were observed for sample with x=3. However, further increasing the Co content to x= 6 leads to a loss of the martensitic transformation.

The Mossbauer spectra of a FeSe0.3Te0.7 single crystal grown by the Bridgman method were analysed across the superconducting transition by considering the interplay between the structure and electron configuration of the transition metal. The magnetically determined superconducting critical temperature is T-C similar to 14 K. The Fe-57 Mossbauer spectra collected in the temperature range from 5 to 200K mainly have an asymmetric doublet pattern, which was conveniently fitted by the full Hamiltonian method. No effective magnetic moment ascribed to the superconducting phase was observed down to 5K. The unusual behaviour observed below similar to 17K for the chemical isomer shift and quadrupole splitting may be associated with an electron reconfiguration process intimately related to an unusual lattice distortion accompanying the superconducting transition. The decreasing trend of the total absorption spectral area and second-order Doppler shift during cooling the sample below the critical temperature, point to enhanced phonon activation in the superconducting state.

A numerical extension of the simple Stoner-Wohlfarth model to the case of bi-dimensional angular distributions of easy axis is provided. The results are particularized in case of step-like, Gaussian-like and user defined distributions. In spite of its simplicity, the model can be applied to magnetically textured thin films and multilayers with in-plane magnetic anisotropy, independently on the texture source. Exemplifications are provided for a simple ferromagnetic textured FeCo film as well as for a FeMn/FeCoi CufFeCo spin valve structure. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Fe-Ni graded films have been prepared by co-sputtering permalloy and Fe targets at different time-power sequences. Morpho-structural and magnetic investigations have been performed by transmission electron microscopy, Xray reflectometry, conversion electron Mossbauer spectroscopy and magneto-optic Kerr effect vector magnetometry, proving the thickness dependence of the properties. A magnetization reversal involving the displacement of Bloch-type walls is characteristic for a 115 nm thick Fe-Ni graded film whereas an in-plane coherent rotation of the spins, according to a Stoner-Wohlfarth mechanism was evidence for a 23 nm thick Fe-Ni graded film.

A series of niobium-modified aluminum hydroxide fluorides (denoted Nb@AIF(3)), prepared via a fluorolytic sol gel synthesis was investigated for the catalytic one-pot conversion of cellulose to lactic acid. The structure of the new acid catalysts is the result of the dispersion of niobium fluoride in an aluminum hydroxide fluoride matrix. The calcination of the catalysts at a relatively low temperature (350 degrees C) stabilized this structure. Catalytic performances in terms of lactic acid yields are directly correlated with the niobium content.

The aim of this paper is to present a reliable procedure for the experimental determination of the specific absorption rate (SAR) in case of superparamagnetic Fe oxide nanoparticles dispersed in liquid environments. It is based on the acquisition of consecutive steps of time-temperature dependences along of both heating and cooling processes. Linear fitting of these recorded steps provides the heating and cooling speeds at different temperatures, which finally allow the determination of the heating profile in adiabatic-like conditions over a broad temperature range. The presented methodology represents on one hand, a useful alternative tool for the experimental evaluation of the heating capability of nanoparticulate systems for magnetic hyperthermia applications and on the other hand, gives support for a more accurate modeling of bio-heat transfer phenomena.

A rapid high sensitive method for determining the Faraday rotation of optical glasses is proposed. Starting from an experimental setup based on a Faraday rod coupled to a lock-in amplifier in the detection chain, two methodologies were developed for providing reliable results on samples presenting low and large Faraday rotations. The proposed methodologies were critically discussed and compared, via results obtained in transmission geometry, on a new series of aluminophosphate glasses with or without rare-earth doping ions. An example on how the method can be used for a rapid examination of the optical homogeneity of the sample with respect to magneto-optical effects is also provided. (C) 2015 AIP Publishing LLC.

The effect of thermal treatments on the martensitic transformation in three representative Ni-Fe-Ga alloys with or without Co substitutions has been studied by calorimetry, X-ray diffractometry, scanning electron microscopy and magnetometry. The alloys were prepared as ribbons, by the melt spinning technique. The thermal treatments promote a reduction of the martensitic transformation temperature in all investigated samples, with the most pronounced decrease for the alloys with lower Ga content. Three different mechanisms induced by specific thermal treatments and responsible for the characteristic behaviour of the martensitic transformation, with respect to temperature and heat of transition, were observed and discussed in details. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The half-metallic properties of a new and promising full-Heusler compound, Zr2CoSn, are investigated by means of ab initio calculations within the Density Functional Theory framework. It was shown that the ferromagnetic ordered Hg2CuTi-type crystal structure is energetically the most favorable for this compound. The total magnetic moment is 3 mu(B)/f.u. and follows a typical Stater-Pauling dependence. The half metallicity disappears if the unit cell volume is contracted by more than 5%. 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Ribbons of Fe-Pd ferromagnetic shape memory alloys were prepared by rapid solidification via the melt-spinning technique. The effect of moderate and high temperature heat treatments on the martensitic transformation and the related changes of the magnetic behavior was analyzed by X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry and temperature, and field-dependent magnetometry. In addition, information about magnetic easy axis and magnetically field-induced strains (MFIS) were achieved from linear thermal expansion measurements performed under cooling at different applied fields. The observed low values of MFIS in the as-prepared ribbons are due, besides to the small size and random orientation of the grains, to the high atomic disorder inside the crystalline grains. The anisotropy field is enhanced by the reduced atomic disorder, as reflected by the increased MFIS values after thermal treatments.

The recovery of the catalysts from the reaction mixture and their recycling is important goals of the current applied catalysis. The stringent ecological and economical demands for sustainability made this concern even more important for the solid catalysts used in the area of biomass catalytic transformations where the raw material usually is not soluble in most of the organic solvents. Therefore, the solid catalyst cannot be easily separated from the mixture of untransformed raw material and by-products (e. g., humines). However, these goals can be achieved by using magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) based catalysts. This study reports on the magnetic response of two types of new magnetic nanocomposite catalytic systems, Ru@MNP and Nb@AlF3, used in the synthesis of sorbitol/glycerol and of lactic acid, respectively, by direct cellulose degradation. The results showed that the recovering possibilities of the Nb@AlF3 catalysts, with a weaker magnetic response associated to the so called diluted magnetic oxide systems, are much diminished as compared to Ru@MNP, where the magnetic response is generated using MNP supported catalysts. (C) 2015 AIP Publishing LLC.

Low dimensional nanostructures represent a hot scientific field nowadays due mainly to the tremendous potential for applications. Low dimensions open the possibilities for both ultra-miniaturization and increase in functionality. Numerous procedures were developed for fabricating such nanostructures. Template replication represents a highly effective method in fabricating metallic nanowires and nanotubes. The approach is characterized by the excellent control in obtaining nano objects with the desired shape and dimensions. A large variety of templates are available ranging from viruses and proteins to nanoporous membranes fabricated by using swift heavy ion accelerators. In the following chapter the main steps involved in employing the method for fabricating metalic nanowires and nanotubes by replicating ion track nanoporous membranes were described. The steps include here membrane fabrication and replication and involve track etching and electrochemical metal deposition. The influence of the process parameters on the properties of the nanoobjects prepared by this approach was reviewed. It was found that simple experimental parameters can be chosen in such a way that the functionality of the nanowires or nanotubes can be finely tuned.

One of the focal subjects in insulin delivery is the development of insulin formulations that protect the native insulin from degradation under acidic pH in the stomach. In this work we show, for the first time, that a graphene oxide (GO) based matrix can ensure the stability of insulin at low pH. GO and GO modified with 2-nitrodopamine coated magnetic particle (GO-MPdop) matrices loaded with insulin were prepared and the pH triggered release of the insulin was studied. The loading of insulin on the GO nanomaterials proved to be extremely high at pH < 5.4 with a loading capacity of 100 +/- 3% on GO and 88 +/- 3% on GO-MPdop. The insulin-containing GO matrices were stable at acidic pH, while insulin was released when exposed to basic solutions (pH = 9.2). Using Xenopus laevis oocytes as a model we showed that the meiotic resumption rate of GO and GO-MPdop remained unaltered when pre-treated in acidic conditions, while pre-incubated insulin (without GO nanomaterials) has lost almost entirely its maturation effect. These results suggest that GO based nanomatrices are promising systems for the protection of insulin.

Finite size effects and interfacial interactions as well as their influence on the magnetic properties of nanosized systems are discussed by starting from very basic principles of magnetism. Some preparation and subsequent processing tools for a proper engineering of the properties of such magnetic nanosized systems are introduced together with specific characterization tools. A summary of the most important technological applications related to size effects and interfacial interactions, with exemplifications starting from bio-medical applications of magnetic fluids to magnetoresitive multilayers for sensor applications are also provided.

We report the synthesis of a room temperature ferromagnetic Mn-Ge system obtained by simple deposition of manganese on Ge(001), heated at relatively high temperature (starting with 250 degrees C). The samples were characterized by low energy electron diffraction (LEED), scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID), and magneto-optical Kerr effect (MOKE). Samples deposited at relatively elevated temperature (350 degrees C) exhibited the formation of similar to 5-8 nm diameter Mn5Ge3 and Mn11Ge8 agglomerates by HRTEM, while XPS identified at least two Mn-containing phases: the agglomerates, together with a Ge-rich MnGe similar to 2.5 phase, or manganese diluted into the Ge(001) crystal. LEED revealed the persistence of long range order after a relatively high amount of Mn (100 nm) deposited on the single crystal substrate. STM probed the existence of dimer rows on the surface, slightly elongated as compared with Ge-Ge dimers on Ge(001). The films exhibited a clear ferromagnetism at room temperature, opening the possibility of forming a magnetic phase behind a nearly ideally terminated Ge surface, which could find applications in integration of magnetic functionalities on semiconductor bases. SQUID probed the co-existence of a superparamagnetic phase, with one phase which may be attributed to a diluted magnetic semiconductor. The hypothesis that the room temperature ferromagnetic phase might be the one with manganese diluted into the Ge crystal is formulated and discussed.

EuFeO3 perovskite was considered as a case study of the cooperative effects of the rare earth and transition metal elements in the total catalytic oxidation of aromatic hydrocarbons. For this purpose, a EuFeO3 perovskite was prepared using the citrate route. Extensive characterization was performed via ex situ and in situ methods. EXAFS revealed that oxygen vacancies are formed in the nearest neighborhood of Fe and next-nearest neighborhood of Eu. Combining Eu-151 and Fe-57 Mossbauer experiments also suggested local oxygen defects in the proximity of the Eu cations during the reaction, as well as cooperative electron delocalization effects between Eu and Fe. XPS has shown the +3 oxidation state of both Eu and Fe cations and the relatively strong ionicity of the Fe-O chemical bonds, as suggested by the weakened 2p(3/2) satellite in the Fe2p spectrum. A systematic change of this satellite with the A cation in AFeO(3) perovskites was also discussed. The thermal treatment of the catalyst at 623 K, in air or toluene, was accompanied by a partial reduction of Fe and a partial oxidation of Eu, respectively. The interaction between the two elements appeared to be influenced mainly by the temperature and only slightly by the sample environment during further treatments. Catalytic oxidation of toluene on this perovskite led only to the production of carbon dioxide and water with no side-product formation from partial oxidation reactions. All the characterization and catalytic results preferably agree with a Volkenstein mechanism. (C) 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Magnetoresistive Fe-Co based thin film structures were produced using thermionic vacuum arc method. The purpose of this work was to obtain significant magnetic response on different granular combinatorial structures. The Giant Magnetoresistive (GMR) and combination between GMR and Tunneling Magnetoresistive (TMR) properties of the thin film structures were the aim of the work. The proposed method in order to obtain the desired granular structures is based on electron beam emitted by an externally heated cathode, accelerated by a high anodic potential. The work consisted in preparing two sets of samples, first being a combination between Fe-Co as magnetic materials embedded in a Cu matrix, with a total thickness of 200 nm. The second structure was a combination between Fe-Co (50%-50%) alloy, embedded in a matrix of Cu combined with MgO with a thickness of 200 nm. Both sets of samples were obtained by three simultaneous types of discharges. Because of the substrate positioning in respect with the three anode-cathode systems, different material concentrations were obtained, confirmed by Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) measurement results. Structural and morphological properties were investigated using Scanning Electron Microscopy; Atomic Force Microscopy and EDS. Electrical properties of the obtained samples were studied using the 4 point measurement method. The magnetic properties were first studied using a non-destructive optical method called MOKE (Magneto-Optical Kerr Effect). Electrical resistance behavior of the granular type structures was studied for different values of the magnetic field, up to 03 T, at different values of the sample temperature. The magnetoresistive effect obtained for the two sets of samples varied from 1.5% to 81% in respect with the substrate positioning and sample temperature for a constant magnetic field. (C) 2014 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

In order to study specific phenomena at ferromagnetic/semiconducting interfaces, of potentially high interest in spintronics and information technology, structural aspects and magnetic properties of Fe thin films grown on Si(001) substrates by RF sputtering have been investigated using Fe-57 conversion electron Mossbauer spectroscopy (CEMS) and magneto-optic Keer effect (MOKE). Films of different thicknesses have been deposited either directly on crystalline Si substrates or on Cu buffer layers. An inherent Fe oxide layer is observed in all as prepared films, with a relative thickness decreasing drastically with the deposition time. The Cu buffer layer does not diminish either the interfacial diffusion or the oxidation process. An efficient method to prepare sharper oxygen- and silicon-free interfaces for an improved spin injection, via thermal treatment in hydrogen atmosphere, is proposed. Accordingly, the hydrogenation treatments are very efficient in the modification of the ferromagnetic film structure, phase composition, magnetic properties and interfacial mixing. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

We report the continuous, single step synthesis of titania/iron-based magnetic nanocomposites in a single step using gas-phase laser pyrolysis technique by separately and simultaneously introducing the precursors (together with C2H4 sensitizer) in the reaction zone: Fe(CO)(5) on the central flow and, using air as carrier, TiCl4 on the annular coflow. The laser power and, for the last experiment, the injection geometry were modified in order to change the Fe/Ti ratio in the resulted nanopowders. Due to the specific geometry, the reaction zone (visible as a flame) have a reductive inner central zone surrounded by and oxidative environment, allowing the formation of the metallic-carbidic iron and/or iron-doped titania and iron oxide nanophases. The raw Fe-containing nanopowders have a ferromagnetic behavior, those synthesized at higher laser power and gas velocities show significant saturation magnetization M-s values (10-12 emu/g), whereas those obtained (with higher yield and carbon content) at lower laser power and gas velocities (using wider central nozzle cross-section) have a very weak magnetization (M-s similar to 0.05 emu/g) in spite of the higher ethylene carried Fe(CO)(5) flow. The powders were annealed in air at 400 degrees C show lower carbon content and, for those highly Fe-doped, the hematite phase formation. Preliminary tests using UV light confirm the photocatalytic action of the annealed nanopowders in salicylic acid degradation process in solution. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Ferrofluid samples consisting of magnetite nanoparticles (NPs) coated with oleic acid and dispersed in a non-polar organic solvent have been synthesized by chemical routes. Different volume fractions, phi, of magnetic NPs were considered. The overall structural characterization of NPs has been performed by x-ray diffractometry, with lattice parameters and average coherence lengths evaluated via Rietveld refinements. The magnetic properties of different samples have been analysed by SQUID magnetometry and temperature-dependent Mossbauer spectroscopy and finally explained by adequate magnetic relaxation mechanisms. Zero field cooling-field cooling protocols provided useful information about specific volume fraction dependent magnetic relaxation and de-freezing processes, the lack of the Verwey transition and stronger dipolar interactions at higher volume fractions. Anisotropy energies as obtained by both temperature dependent Mossbauer spectroscopy and magnetometry data are compared and a new procedure for a quantitative characterization of the dipolar interactions is proposed.

We report the synthesis of novel nanocomposites based on Fe@C nanoparticles obtained from Fe(CO)(5) and C2H4/H-2 by laser pyrolysis technique using a three nozzles injector. The alpha Fe-FexCy@C particles (below 24 nm diameter) were first functionalized with hydrophilic groups using Na carboxymethylcellulose. Oxidic precursors (Si(OC2H5)(4) or Ti(OC2H5)(4)) dissolved in ethanol were mixed with ethanolic suspensions of hydrophilized Fe@C nanoparticles using strong ultrasonication, then with water (at different pH values) and finally the Fe-containing composites were recovered by magnetic separation. The SiO2 and TiO2-coated powders were characterized by XRD, FT-IR and TEM techniques and their magnetic hysteresis curves were recorded at different temperatures. Both composites contain submicron aggregates of Fe@C nanoparticles embedded in/surrounded by a disordered porous oxidic matrix/shell. Near superparamagnetic behavior and room temperature and 26 Am-2/kg (for Fe@C/SiO2) or 57Am(2)/kg (for Fe@C/TiO2) saturation magnetization values were recorded and a blocking temperature around 500K was extrapolated. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Pure EuFeO3 and ceria were prepared via a sol-gel citrate route and were calcined at 700 degrees C. Separately, a 20 wt% EuFeO3/CeO2 was prepared via incipient wetness impregnation of calcined ceria with citrate precursors and calcined in the same conditions. SBET, XRD, toluene chemisorption, toluene-TPD and in situ Eu-151 and Fe-57 Mossbauer investigations were performed. All characterization data indicate the formation of a well-dispersed EuFeO3 at the surface of CeO2. During the oxidation of toluene Eu-151 and Fe-57 Mossbauer spectroscopy suggested a cooperative effect of the cations. The catalysts were tested in total oxidation of toluene. In terms of intrinsic activity for toluene combustion, supported catalysts were more active than bulk EuFeO3. All structural changes during operation time were reversible. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The synthesis of multifunctional magnetic nanoparticles (MF-MPs) is one of the most active research areas in advanced materials as their multifunctional surfaces allow conjugation of biological and chemical molecules, thus making it possible to achieve target-specific diagnostic in parallel to therapeutics. We report here a simple strategy to integrate in a one-step reaction several reactive sites onto the particles. The preparation of MF-MPs is based on their simultaneous modification with differently functionalized dopamine derivatives using simple solution chemistry. The formed MF-MPs show comparable magnetic properties to those of naked nanoparticles with almost unaltered particle size of around 25 nm. The different termini, amine, azide and maleimide functions, enable further functionalization of MF-MPs by the grafting-on approach. Michael addition, Cu(I) catalyzed <> chemistry and amidation reactions are performed on the MF-MPs integrating subsequently 6-(ferrocenyl)-hexanethiol, horseradish peroxidase (HRP) and mannose.

Ru(III)/functionalized silica-coated magnetic nanoparticles (Ru(III)-MNP) were proven to be a highly active, selective and easily recoverable catalyst for the oxidation of levulinic acid to succinic acid under green conditions.

High aspect ratio nanowires of Ni-Cu alloys have been synthesized by potentiostatic electrochemical deposition in etched ion-track membranes. The nickel-to-copper ratio in the nanowires was controlled via the deposition potential and electrochemical bath composition. We present a detailed study of nanowire properties including morphology, composition, and magnetic behavior. We report the magnetic configurations measured as function of the nanowire composition and discuss domain formation, anisotropy aspects, and local easy axis distributions.

The electronic and magnetic properties of Ti2CoSi Heusler compound are investigated using density functional calculations. The optimized lattice constant is found to be 6.030 angstrom. The compound is a half-metallic ferromagnet with an energy gap in minority spin channel of 0.652 eV at equilibrium lattice constant, which leads to a 100% spin-polarization. The obtained total magnetic moment from spin-polarized calculations is 3.0 mu(B)for values of lattice constants higher than 5.941 angstrom. The half-metallicity is spoiled for a compressed volume of 4%, suggesting a possible application as pressure sensitive material. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V All rights reserved.

New nanometric systems were produced by using specific parameters of the laser pyrolysis process. Relevant results related to the magnetic behavior of the samples were obtained via SQUID magnetometry and Mossbauer spectroscopy, the data being corroborated with those previously obtained from X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The formed nanocomposites contain iron carbides, iron oxides and metallic iron nanoparticles which relative content and average size depend strongly on experimental specific parameters of the pyrolysis process. The magnetic properties and the local interaction mechanisms were explained by adequate magnetic relaxation and static models. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Highly textured ZnO thin films were implanted with Co ions at fluences of 1 x 10(16) and 1 x 10(17) ions cm(-2). Although their microstructure observed by analytical high-resolution electron microscopy was very different, SQUID magnetometer measurements showed qualitatively similar magnetic properties. In the low-fluence film, only small modifications, such as a slight amorphization, planar defects or very small (<1-1.5 nm) Co clusters, were hardly observable. Implantation at a higher fluence led to important changes in the film structure: heavy amorphization and metallic Co precipitates were identified by electron diffraction, energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS), electron energy loss spectroscopy and scanning transmission electron microscopy spectrum imaging. EDS microanalysis additionally revealed the presence of similar to 2 at% Co atoms that were likely dissolved in the ZnO lattice at the atomic level. No Co oxides or other secondary oxide phases were detected. For both implanted samples, the dimensions of Co precipitates were below the superparamagnetic limit at room temperature. Thermo-magnetization curves and magnetic hysteresis loops measured in the temperature range from 5 to 300 K indicated two superimposed magnetic regimes, one predominant above 50 K and the other below 50 K. We analysed the possible mechanisms and quantitative contributions to explain the observed magnetic behaviour at low and room temperature.

Hexagonal ferrites BaxSr1-xFe12O19 (x = 0.05, 0.15, 0.25, 0.35) were prepared by sol-gel and conventional solid state reaction techniques. Their magnetic properties, investigated by magnetometry and Mossbauer spectroscopy, were discussed in correlation to structural aspects. Whereas the hexaferrites obtained by sol-gel are almost single phase, the ones prepared by the conventional solid state reaction technique present a low amount of BaFe2O4 as secondary phase. All samples show a relative high coercive field and remanent magnetization, as specific features for permanent magnet behavior. The five Fe3+ sites of the specific elemental cell have been revealed and their relative occupancy has been derived from the Mossbauer spectra. The analyzed samples show a sensitivity of the magnetic properties (magnetic moment and anisotropy) with respect to the occupancy of the different Fe sites. (C) 2013 Elsevier B. V. All rights reserved.

Electric and magnetic properties of symmetric and asymmetric Pb(Zr-0.2 Ti-0.8)O-3-CoFe2O4 (PZT/CFO) heterostructures, grown by pulsed laser deposition on SrTiO3 (100) substrates with a 25 nm SrRuO3 (SRO) buffer layer as bottom electrode, were investigated by using hysteresis and capacitance measurements. X-ray diffraction, and transmission electron microscopy investigations reveal the high quality crystalline structure and the epitaxial relationship between SRO, PZT and CFO. The electric polarization-voltage hysteresis reveals that the remnant polarization and the coercive field are significantly affected by the CFO layer. The frequency dependence of capacitance suggests a Maxwell-Wagner type relaxation at low frequencies and is also affected by the presence of the PZT/CFO interface(s). The magnetic hysteresis measurements infer the possible presence of another spinel phase (Co3O4) in the CFO film, due to the lattice mismatch at the PZT/CFO interfaces, and with direct influence on the magnetic response of the structure. According to the electric and magnetic characterization, better room temperature multiferroic properties would be expected for the symmetric heterostructure. (C) 2013 Published by Elsevier B. V.

The half-metallic properties of Ti2CoSn full-Heusler compound is studied within the framework of the density of states theory with the Perdew Burke Ernzerhof generalized gradient approximation (GGA). Structural optimization was performed and the calculated equilibrium lattice constant is 6.340 angstrom. The spin up band of compound has metallic character and spin down band is semiconducting with an indirect gap of 0.598 eV at equilibrium lattice constant. For the lattice parameter, ranging from 6.193 to 6.884 angstrom the compound presents 100% spin polarization and a total magnetic moment of 3 mu(B). (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Iron-carbon nanocomposites have gained interest due to their new engineering and biomedical applications. Carbon coated iron nanoparticles (Fe@C) were obtained continuously and in a single step using the laser pyrolysis method. The continuous wave CO2 laser beam was used to continuously heat a sensitized (with ethylene) precursor gas mixture, in which iron pentacarbonyl (vapor) and acetylene were the iron and carbon donors, respectively. The effect of varying the residence time in the reaction zone through the variation of the internal nozzle diameter was explored in order to improve the particle size and the phase distributions. At increased nozzle diameter, (i) the particle mean diameter increases (from about 3.5 to 10.5 nm), (ii) higher ordering of the crystallographic network seems to occur, (iii) the dominance of the alpha-Fe and iron carbide phases is revealed. Onion-like graphenic layers often cover the buried iron cores. Magnetic measurements and temperature dependent Mossbauer spectroscopy were used in order to find correlations concerning the magnetic behavior and the Fe phase composition of samples. Preliminary experiments for obtaining stable water-based magnetic nanofluids are discussed. (C) 2011 The Society of Powder Technology Japan. Published by Elsevier B.V. and The Society of Powder Technology Japan. All rights reserved.

Superconducting (SC) MgB2 thin films were prepared in situ in one step by vacuum co-deposition at extremely low growth temperature (T-s similar to 110-150 degrees C) and at very low Mg deposition rate, far off from the MgB2 stability regime of the thermodynamic phase diagram. As-grown films are nanocrystalline and exhibit (002) texture, moderate surface roughness and SC onset up to T-c(on) = 18 K. This is the highest critical temperature ever observed in low-T-s as-grown MgB2 films. Our preparation method at very low T-s is favorable for the fabrication of layered SC hybrid electronic devices, where deposition and post-annealing at high temperature are detrimental to device functioning. Simple post-annealing of our films in ultrahigh vacuum enhances T-c(on) up to 22 K due to the improvement in structural properties.

Structural aspects and atomic intermixing processes in Be/W bilayers deposited on Si(0 0 1) substrates with Fe buffer layers enriched in the (57)Fe Mossbauer isotope have been studied via atomic force microscopy, grazing incidence X-ray diffractometry, X-ray reflectometry, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and conversion electron Mossbauer spectroscopy. The mentioned investigations allowed a full sequential characterization of the involved interfaces. Various ionic configurations appeared for Fe or W, while an amorphous state was observed in the case of Be. It has been proven that the Be layer has a negative influence on the roughness of the whole structure, which however presents an oxidation gradient from more oxidized elements at the surface towards more reduced elements in deeper layers. A strong diffusion of the W atoms inside the Be layer, induced by the deposition method, as well as of the Fe atoms inside the Be layer, induced by thermal annealing, has been evidenced. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Magnetization reversal in nanoscale (Sm-Co)/Fe (hard/soft) bilayer exchange-spring magnets with in-plane uniaxial magnetic anisotropy was investigated by magnetometry, conversion-electron Mossbauer spectroscopy (CEMS) and atomistic Fe spin-structure calculations. Magnetization loops along the easy direction exhibit signatures typical of exchange-spring magnets. In-field CEMS at inclined gamma-ray incidence onto thin (2 nm) Fe-57 probe layers embedded at various depths in the 20-nm-thick natural (soft) Fe layer provides depth-dependent information (via the line-intensity ratio R-23 as a function of the applied field H) about the in-plane rotation of Fe spins. A minimum in the R-23-vs-H dependence at (H-min, R-min) determines the field where Fe magnetic moments roughly adopt an average perpendicular orientation during their reversal from positive to negative easy-axis orientation. A monotonic decrease of H-min with distance from the hard/soft interface is observed. Rotation of Fe spins takes place even in the interface region in applied fields far below the field of irreversible switching, H-irr, of the hard phase. Formation of an Fe-Co alloy is detected in the interface region. For comparison, the noncollinear Fe spin structure during reversal and the resulting R-23 ratio were obtained by electronic-structure calculations based on a quantum-mechanical Hamiltonian for itinerant electrons. The coupling at the hard/soft interface is described by the uniaxial exchange-anisotropy field, h(int), as a parameter. Our calculated R-23 ratios as a function of the (reduced) applied field h exhibit similar features as observed in the experiment, in particular a minimum at (h(min), R-min). R-min is found to increase with h(int), thus providing a measure of the interface coupling. Evidence is provided for the existence of fluctuations of the interface coupling. The calculations also show that the Fe spin spiral formed during reversal is highly inhomogeneous. In general, our simulation of the Fe spin structure is applicable for the interpretation of experimental results on layered exchange-spring magnets.

Magnetite alternating copolymers divinylbenzene-maleic anhydride (DVB-MA) composites were prepared by dispersion polymerization. Because magnetite is used as a complex with oleic acid (Fe(3)O(4)OLA), the final hybrids show good dispersion of inorganic nanofillers in the polymer matrix. The obtained composites were analyzed by infrared absorption spectrometry, diffuse reflectance in visible light, thermogravimetry, X-ray fluorescence, X-ray diffraction, dynamic light scattering, scanning electron microscopy and vibrating sample magnetometry. The obtained results indicate the successful preparation of magnetite nanoparticles with an average size of about 23 nm dispersed in micrometer size copolymer spherical particles, which relative content can be controlled via the processing parameters. A relationship between the relative content of magnetite nanoparticles and the size of the polymer particles, with direct influence on the diffuse reflectance in the visible domain, was observed. A superparamagnetic behavior was evidenced at room temperature with a blocking temperature lower than as expected from the bulk anisotropy constant and the average size of the magnetite nanoparticles. Both the unexpected low blocking temperature and the observed low specific magnetizations were explained by a defected and poor crystalline structure of the magnetite nanoparticles, giving rise to spin disorder and diminished crystalline anisotropy constant. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

We present the magnetic properties of magnetic glass ceramics obtained by crystallization of Fe containing borosilicate glass. Two types of nucleators have been used: Cr2O3 and P2O5. The role of the nucleators proved to be crucial in the size and morphology of the crystallites developed within glassy matrix as well in the magnetic response. The former stimulates the growth of regular single crystals uniformly dispersed within the matrix whereas the latter leads to the formation of grains made of tiny (30 nm), nanocrystals. The magnetic response depends on the amount of Fe ions left dispersed within glassy matrix as paramagnetic ions. Although P2O5 leads to the best structural magnetite, almost 42% of Fe ions are left dispersed in the matrix without magnetic interaction. In the case of Cr2O3, the paramagnetic Fe is decreased to 12% but structural deficiency in the occupancy of the Fe sites of magnetite is revealed by Mossbauer spectroscopy.

Structural and magnetic properties of exchange spring magnets consisting of hard magnetic (FePt) and soft magnetic (Fe and Co) bilayers. prepared by ion beam sputtering method are studied via X-ray diffraction (XRD), magneto-optic Kerr effect (MOKE) and vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM). Thin tracer layers of Fe-57 were introduced in the soft layer in order to observe the Fe spin structure and interfacial diffusion by Conversion Electron Mossbauer Spectroscopy (CEMS). The observed in-plane exchange spring behavior extends also to the magnetic hard layer, whose switching field can be tuned in an unexpected manner via the top soft magnetic layer. To explain the observed phenomenon it is suggested that the increased switching field, found in the system with a Co/Fe bilayer acting as a single soft magnetic layer, is compatible with a peculiar behavior of the stiffness coefficient of the heterogeneous soft magnetic layer. According to this observation, possibilities to maximize the exchange spring effects via suitably chosen non-homogeneous soft magnetic layers are open. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

We investigate the role of chromium and phosphorous oxides on the growth and magnetic properties of crystallized Fe-containing borosilicate glasses as well as their evolution under different thermal processing. The glasses have the ratio between SiO2 and Fe2O3 in the range 1.49 to 2.68 and Al2O3/MgO as intermediate/modifier oxides. X-ray diffraction and Mossbauer spectroscopy data revealed the presence of magnetite as the major crystalline phase in all as-prepared samples but additional amounts of hematite and of Fe-rich paramagnetic phases are also visible in some samples. The magnetic response is correlated with the disorder observed in the different sites (tetrahedral and octahedral) of the magnetite.

The complementary investigation techniques, Mossbauer spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy with selected area electron diffraction (TEM/SAED), X-ray diffraction (XRD) have been used to investigate the fate of the Valea lui Stan, Romania, gold-ore nanoscale-minerals during the long time of residence in the waste dumps. The preliminary investigations showed such waste dumps to contain significant amount of metals which cannot be identified by conventional methods. An intense research activity started up in order to evaluate the possibilities to recycle Valea lui Stan waste dumps and to recover metals by chemical or phytoextraction procedures. The waste dumps naturally show different mineral constituents with clay minerals as major phases, observed by XRD-technique. Although the waste dumps materials have whitish-yellowish colours, MOSSBAUER technique evidences the presence of the finely dispersed iron bearing minerals. The authors are focusing to inspect and analyze Fe-compounds in the samples collected from Valea lui Stan's waste dumps in order to identify the magnetic phases by Mossbauer technique.

Intermetallic Fe-Sn and nanocrystalline metallic Sn nanoparticles have been successfully synthesized from organic precursors using the laser pyrolysis technique with ethylene as sensitizer. Nano-structured Sn (single phase) was prepared by the pyrolysis of Sn(CH3)(4) (TMT) vapors. Controlled Fe/Sn atomic ratios, ranging from 0.69 to 1.64 were obtained for the prepared Fe-Sn nanopowders by the control of Fe(CO)(5) and TMT flows, respectively. XRD studies evidence three main phases: the tetragonal metallic Sn phase and the intermetallic FeSn2 phase and, to a much lesser extent, the cubic ternary carbide Fe3SnC. Complex core-shell structural characteristics were found by HRTEM analysis. More complete information about the Fe phase distributions in the new intermetallic Fe-Sn nanomaterial is provided by temperature dependent Fe-57 Mossbauer spectroscopy. (c) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

We present the preparation, structural and magnetic properties of nanosized magnetite obtained by the crystallization of a series of Fe-containing borosilicate glasses. Several compositions with the ratio Fe2O3/SiO2 spanning from 0.37 to 0.67 were investigated as a function of two nucleators Cr2O3 and P2O5, respectively, and modifiers and intermediates (Al2O3 and MgO). Mossbauer spectroscopy revealed the degree, the type and the location of disorder induced by a specific composition and nucleators. In addition to magnetite, it was also revealed the presence of large amounts of Fe-rich paramagnetic phases. The magnetic response is analysed in relation with the amount of Fe ions which remain dispersed in the glassy matrix as noninteracting (paramagnetic) ions. We discuss the role of the nucleators on the disorder in both tetrahedral and octahedral sites of the magnetite.

In the so-called 'step-shape' angular spin distribution model for layered systems, the non-collinear directions of the atomic magnetic moments are confined to the film plane and form a homogeneous fan spanning inside an (in-plane) angular interval Delta phi centered at an angle phi(0). A general approach for deriving the two parameters phi(0) and Delta phi via Fe-57 Mossbauer spectroscopy measurements is discussed. The analysis extends our previously reported treatment, which assumed that the angular aperture Delta phi develops symmetrically versus a fixed direction phi(0) (e.g., the in-plane easy axis of magnetization) oriented either along or perpendicular to the in-plane projection of the Mossbauer gamma-ray direction. The proposed approach is also applicable for those cases when not only the spin aperture Delta phi is changing but also the aperture center phi(0) is rotating under the influence of different external parameters, such as applied field, temperature, stress, etc. The method is suitable for applications to nanoscale layered heterostructures with in-plane uniaxial or unidirectional magnetic anisotropy. The method is applied to experimental data obtained on a 2-nm thick defected Fe layer with in-plane magnetic texture. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The results of the electric and magnetic measurements performed on PbZr0.2Ti0.8O3-BiFeO3 symmetric structures, deposited on Pt/Si wafers, were compared for different number of layers in order to analyse the effect of interfaces over the macroscopic properties. It was found that the shape and magnitude of the capacitance-voltage characteristic, as well as the shape and parameters of the ferroelectric and magnetic hysteresis, depend on the number of interfaces in the intended multilayer structure. A temperature induced gradual transition from a magnetically disordered spin glass like phase of low temperature to an uncompensated antiferromagnetic phase at room temperature takes place in the BiFeO3 films, under low applied magnetic fields. A partial ferromagnetic like order can be obtained at low temperatures by increasing the field. The observed changes in the electric and magnetic behaviour of the systems were related to an increased degree of disorder for electric dipoles and magnetic moments, due to the increased number of layers and crystallization treatments. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

We report on the characterization of metallurgical phases and their magnetism at the interfaces of nanoscale MgB2/Fe layered structures. MgB2/Fe-57 multilayers with varying layer thicknesses were prepared by vacuum deposition and investigated, before and after annealing by electrical resistance measurements, x-ray diffraction and Fe-57 conversion-electron Mossbauer spectroscopy (CEMS) down to 5 K. Interfacial Fe-B phases, such as Fe2B, were identified by CEMS. A superparamagnetic-to-ferromagnetic transition is observed with increasing Fe-57 film thickness. Ultrahigh vacuum annealing at 500 degrees C of the multilayers leads to strong diffusion of Fe atoms into the boundary regions of the MgB2 layers. MgB2 in the as-grown multilayers is non-superconducting. Structural disorder and the effect of Fe interdiffusion contribute to the suppression of superconductivity in the MgB2 films of all the as-grown multilayers and the thinner annealed multilayers. However, an annealed MgB2/Fe-57/MgB2 trilayer with thicker (500 angstrom) MgB2 layers is observed to be superconducting with an onset temperature of 25 K. At 5 K, the annealed trilayer can be conceived as being strongly chemically modulated, consisting of two partially Fe-doped superconducting MgB2 layers separated by an interdiffused weakly magnetic Fe-B interlayer, which is characterized by a low hyperfine magnetic field B-hf of similar to 11 T. This chemically modulated layer structure of the trilayer after annealing was verified by Rutherford backscattering.

Oxalates containing various 3d transitional elements and positive NH(4) or negative OH groups were newly synthesized. Each above-mentioned component has directly influenced the structure, the electronic or interaction properties, while some unexpected behaviors were revealed by various magnetic and Mossbauer measurements. The main magnetic parameters, the long-range anti-ferromagnetic couplings observed at very low temperature and, particularly the uncompensated moment are discussed in detail. The induced lower spin states for bivalent ions and especially the anti-parallel arrangement of the spins belonging to trivalent and bivalent iron inside the molecule are also emphasized. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Phase transformation behavior of Ti50Ni30Cu20 shape memory alloys prepared by powder metallurgy is analyzed with respect to the duration of mechanical alloying. The processed blends were studied by differential scanning calorimetry and room temperature X-ray diffraction. The martensitic transformations evidenced by thermal scans are discussed in correlation with the relative phase content obtained from the refinement of the X-ray diffraction patterns. (c) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Iron/iron carbide core and carbon shell nanoparticles with improved magnetic properties were successfully synthesized by laser pyrolysis. As iron and carbon precursors, iron pentacarbonyl and pure or argon-diluted acetylene/ethylene mixtures, respectively, were used. The aim of the present optimization is the improvement of the magnetic properties of the nanomaterials by the increase of the iron percent in powders simultaneously to the maintaining of the protective character of the carbon coverage of nanoparticles. The chemical content and the crystalline structure were monitored by EDX, XRD and TEM techniques. In the first study, the content of acetylene as carbon source was diminished from 75% to 0%. Consequently the percent iron increased from 10 at.% to 28 at.% while oxygen remained relatively constant (around 5 at.%). In the second step, only diluted ethylene was used (maximum 87.5 vol.% Ar). In this case, an increase of iron to 46 at.% is observed. An optimum 50% carbon source dilution was found. Above this value, the carbon content increases and below it, superficial oxidation increases through the diminishing of the carbon shell. The magnetic properties and the Fe phase composition of the Fe-C samples were analyzed by temperature dependent Mossbauer spectroscopy. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

We show that the optical infrared magneto-refractive effect can be used to probe magneto-resistance effects in absolute terms. A spin valve sample with synthetic anti-ferromagnet has been studied using non-contact infrared reflection spectroscopy measurements. Direct experimental comparison shows excellent agreement between electrical and optical measurements in both shape of the magneto-resistance curves and absolute values. This opens the possibility of developing fast and efficient tests of magneto-resistive samples and sensors using an in situ, non-contact, non-destructive optical approach, without the need to determine a calibration factor between the electrical and optical measurements. [doi:10.1063/1.3631778]

Multilayer spin valve structures of type AF/F/Cu/F and AF/F/MgO/F (AF=antiferromagnetic layer and F=ferromagnetic layer) have been prepared by sputtering in radiofrequence. The samples were investigated at room temperature by magneto-optic Kerr effect and conversion electron Mossbauer spectroscopy, before and after thermal hydrogenation. Additional magnetic peculiarities were observed at low temperatures via SQUID magnetometry. The effect of the thermal hydrogenation on the magnetic properties of the systems was discussed with respect to the changes in the local spin configuration, observed by Mssbauer spectroscopy.

The article reports the preparation and complex characterization of iron-containing phosphate glasses considered to be ecological materials, as they contain nontoxic compounds related to environment. The oxide system Li2O-MgO-(CaO)-Al2O3-P2O5-(FeO/Fe2O3) was investigated in respect to its structural changes caused by MgO replacement with CaO and by the iron addition. UV-vis-NIR (ultraviolet-visible-near infrared) spectroscopy as well as thermo-gravimetric (TG) measurements, differential thermo-analysis (DTA), X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, electronic paramagnetic resonance (EPR), and Mossbauer (nuclear gamma resonance) spectroscopy have been used to investigate redox states and coordination symmetry of iron, together with vitreous network changes during the heat treatment up to 1000 degrees C. UV-vis-NIR transmission spectroscopy revealed no structural modifications when MgO was substituted by CaO, but noteworthy absorption bands attributed to Fe2+/Fe3+ species. TG analysis made in the 20-1000 degrees C range shows low weight loss accompanied by several thermal effects, as evidenced by DTA. XRD patterns for the glass samples heat treated at about 700 degrees C revealed the presence of different phosphate crystalline phases containing Mg, Al, and Fe ions. EPR spectroscopy revealed the presence of paramagnetic Fe3+ ions and the change of the first coordination symmetry, when the samples are heated below the vitreous transition temperature. Mossbauer spectroscopy has evidenced two paramagnetic species, Fe2+ and Fe3+, both in octahedral coordination symmetry and a clustering process supported by only Fe3+ ions.

Complex oxides demonstrate specific electric and magnetic properties which make them suitable for a wide variety of applications, including dilute magnetic semiconductors for spin electronics. A tin-iron oxide Sn(1-x)FexO(2) nanoparticulate material has been successfully synthesized by using the laser pyrolysis of tetramethyl tin-iron pentacarbonyl-air mixtures. Fe doping of SnO2 nanoparticles has been varied systematically in the 3-10 at% range. As determined by EDAX, the Fe/Sn ratio (in at%) in powders varied between 0.14 and 0.64. XRD studies of Sn(1-x)FexO(2) nanoscale powders, revealed only structurally modified SnO2 due to the incorporation of Fe into the lattice mainly by substitutional changes. The substitution of Fe3+ in the Sn4+ positions (Fe3+ has smaller ionic radius as compared to the ionic radius of 0.69 angstrom for Sn4+) with the formation of a mixed oxide Sn1-xFexO(2) is suggested. A lattice contraction consistent with the determined Fe/Sn atomic ratios was observed. The nanoparticle size decreases with the Fe doping (about 7 nm for the highest Fe content). Temperature dependent 57Fe Mossbauer spectroscopy data point to the additional presence of defected Fe3+-based oxide nanoclusters with blocking temperatures below 60 K. A new Fe phase presenting magnetic order at substantially higher temperatures was evidenced and assigned to a new type of magnetism relating to the dispersed Fe ions into the SnO2 matrix. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Simple Fe-Co ferromagnetic films and Fe-Mn antiferromagnetic films of different compositions were grown on epitaxial Si substrates with Ta buffer layers via thermo-ionic vacuum arc method. Fe-Co/Fe-Mn bilayer structures were obtained by following similar growing conditions as for the simple films. The magnetic behavior concerning easy axis distribution, anisotropy energy and coercive field of the Fe-Co films exchange coupled to the antiferromagnetic layers were discussed with respect to the magnetic behavior of the simple, uncoupled, ferromagnetic films. The composition of the antiferromagnetic films has a sensible influence on the magnetic parameters of the exchange coupled ferromagnetic films. The largest coupling and the narrowest easy axis distribution are induced in the bilayer system with equatomic composition of the Fe-Mn antiferromagnetic layer. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The influence of different crystallization conditions on the microstructure and magnetic hardening of RE-Fe-B amorphous ribbons with different Fe concentrations and Pr and Nd as rare earth elements was analyzed. The microalloying effects of Zr and Ti substitution on the evolution of crystallization process and the magnetic hardening was also discussed. The final aim of this experimental study was to obtain performing exchange spring magnets with as much as lower content of the expensive RE material.

Two series of cobalt substituted Ni-Fe-Ga ferromagnetic shape memory alloys with lower gallium content (< 27 at. %) were studied by differential scanning calorimetry, x-ray diffraction, and thermomagnetic measurements. Co substitution for Fe or Ni promotes an increase in the Curie temperatures and a variation in the martensitic transformation (MT) temperatures, in accord with the alloy valence electron concentration change. For alloys with MTs below room temperature, a field dependent thermomagnetic hysteresis was evidenced and discussed in connection with the effect of cobalt substitution, on the magnetic hardness of the martensite phase. A direct interpretation of the evolution of the thermomagnetic hysteresis versus the applied field was provided. (C) 2010 American Institute of Physics. [doi: 10.1063/1.3429231]

Exchange bias AF/Fe and spin valve AF/Fe/Cu/Fe (AF=Fe50Mn50 and Ir50Mn50) multilayer systems have been prepared by molecular beam epitaxy. Thin tracer layers enriched in the Fe-57 isotope were artificially grown at the AF/Fe interface and the phase composition of the ferromagnetic layer, as well as the interfacial atomic diffusion were observed via Fe-57 conversion electron Mossbauer spectroscopy. The dependence of the magnetization reversal process on training and temperature associated effects was studied by low temperature vibrating sample magnetometry, whereas the interlayer magnetic coupling was analyzed via longitudinal magneto-optic Kerr effect.

Optical and electrical behavior of Giant Magnetoresistivc (GMR)/Tunneling Magnetoresistive (TMR) multilayer thin films were controlled adjusting thermionic vacuum arc plasma parameters. Smooth, dense and adherent films were prepared using optimized plasma conditions. A new setup for simultaneous depositions of pure materials was made, having inside the vacuum chamber three simultaneous discharges. To obtain the discharge all of the tungsten filaments of the thermionic vacuum arc guns were heated by a 45-55 A current. The emitted electrons were focused on a tungsten coated carbon crucible anode, filled with Cu, and the others crucible anodes filed with MgO, Co and Ag, respectively. The anode applied voltages for Cu, MgO Co and Ag were up to 1500 V, 1700V 1800V and 820V respectively. An optimization of the geometrical parameters as the distance between the cathode and the anode, and of the external parameters as the discharge voltage and the heating current of tungsten current filament was performed. Structural and morphological properties of the prepared films were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The behavior of the obtained films was first analyzed in a Magneto-Optical Kerr Effect (MOKE) experiment. The electrical resistance behavior of the prepared films was determined in a magnetic field which values varied from 0.4 T to 0.4 T. The important changes in the values of the electrical resistance of the films were observed and correlated to the plasma conditions.

Spin valve like AF/Fe/Cu/Fe (AF = Fe50Mn50 and Ir50Mn50) multilayer systems have been prepared by molecular beam epitaxy. Thin tracer layers enriched in the Fe-57 isotope were artificially grown at the AF/Fe and Fe/Cu interfaces and the interfacial atomic diffusion was observed via Fe-57 conversion electron Mossbauer spectroscopy. The results show that the atomic interdiffusion at all involved interfaces is lower in the IrMn based structures as compared to the FeMn based ones. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved

Fe@C) nanoparticles have been successfully synthesized using the laser pyrolysis method and variable nozzle geometries. At large nozzle diameters, XRD and SAED analysis clearly identified distinct alpha-Fe and Fe3C phases. TEM and HRTEM indicated that these Fe-based nanoparticles have an average grain size of 3.5-10.2 nm. Temperature dependent Mossbauer spectra further confirm their distinct nanophases. By using a multi-step reduction procedure, Fe@C powders can be disaggregated into stable, water soluble nanoparticles.

The difficulty to stabilize a definite crystalline structure or phase, due to a large gradient of defects along the particle diameter, is unfortunately specific to particles of nanometer size. Therefore, atypical spin configurations and magnetic anisotropies as well as enhanced magnetic relaxations via thermal excitations are expected in systems of fine nano-particles. The actual work reports on various possibilities for a comprehensive characterization of the magnetic configuration and magnetic relaxation mechanisms of nano-particles, by corroborating the powerful method of Mossbauer spectroscopy with complementary magnetic and structural techniques. The capabilities of temperature and field dependent Mossbauer spectroscopy to provide valuable information about spin blocking temperatures, effective anisotropy constants, amount of uncompensated spins inside of particle and magnetic phase composition are critically discussed for both powder like systems and nano-particles dispersed in different solvents.

Six tetranuclear complexes [Fe(III)(3)Ln(mu(3)-O)(2)(CCl3COO)(8)(H2O)(THF)(3)]center dot THF center dot C7H16 [Ln=Gd(III) (1), Tb(III) (2), Dy(III) (3), Ho(III) (4), Y(III) (5), and Lu(III) (6)] have been studied by magnetic susceptibility and Moumlssbauer spectroscopy. These isostructural molecules have a "butterfly" structure core consisting of two Fe(2)Ln(mu(3)-O) triangular "wings" which share a common Ln-Fe "body"; the dihedral angle between the wings is ca. 148 degrees. The coordination spheres of the iron ions are essentially distorted octahedral. The lanthanides are eight-coordinate with coordination polyhedra that may be described as distorted tetragonal bipyramids. Variable-temperature solid-state magnetic susceptibility in the temperature range 1.8-300 K and magnetization at 1.8 K for compounds 1-6 were measured. The spin state of Fe is S=5/2 in all cases. In compounds 5 and 6, where Ln(III) (Y and Lu, respectively) is diamagnetic, the three Fe atoms form an obtuse isosceles triangle with antiferromagnetic interactions J(Fe-Fe)=-50 K between the wing-tip Fe-w and body Fe-b atoms, and negligible interaction between the Fe-w's, resulting in a ground state of effective spin S=5/2 per cluster. In the complexes with paramagnetic lanthanide ions, the interaction between the Fe-3 triangle and the Ln(III) center is described by an effective exchange constant which is antiferromagnetic and 1 order of magnitude weaker. Besides, at 3 K incipient spin blocking, characteristic of single molecule magnets, was found to occur in the out-of-phase component of the ac susceptibility in {Fe3TbO2}, {Fe3DyO2}, and {Fe3HoO2}. The activation energy of a Debye process describing the magnetization reversal has been determined to be, E-a approximate to 8, 9, and 10 K for the Ln=Tb, Dy, and Ho, respectively, and the prefactor tau(0)approximate to 10(-7) s. The high spin states of the Fe(III) centers were confirmed by the Moumlssbauer spectra, in which two distinguishable Fe sites could be resolved above 80 K, corresponding to the Fe-w and Fe-b sites, respectively. Relatively larger values of the quadrupole splitting of the Moumlssbauer spectra were observed for the Fe-w pair as compared with that for the Fe-b, and both quadrupole splittings diminished with increasing temperature. At 3 K the Moumlssbauer spectra showed a state with blocked spins (sextets) for the {Fe3TbO2} and {Fe3DyO2} cases. From the E-a and tau(0), determined in the ac susceptibility, the relaxation time at 3 K is estimated as tau approximate to 10(-5)-10(-6) s much longer than the time window of Moumlssbauer spectroscopy and compatible with the single molecule magnet behavior. In the presence of a strong magnetic field the moments of the Ln(III) cation and the Fe-3 triangle are polarized. For some compounds at low temperature a magnetic pattern (sextet) for each of the three Fe sites appeared, and the antiferromagnetic coupling within the Fe-3 cluster was directly proved by the opposite trend of the field dependence of the two Fe-w sextets as compared with the Fe-b third one.

Exchange bias and spin valve structures with Fe as ferromagnetic layers selectively enriched in Fe-57 and Ir-Mn of different compositions as antiferromagnetic pinning layers have been prepared by r.f. sputtering. Conversion Electron Mossbauer Spectroscopy and Magneto Optic Kerr Effect have shown that the local structure and interactions in the whole ferromagnetic layers, with direct influence on their magnetic reversal processes, depend on growing order of the layers and composition of the AF layer. Interfacial atomic diffusion is the main reason of perturbing the local structure of the ferromagnet. Mossbauer Spectroscopy is a powerfool tool which allows a detailed analysis of local configurations, in order to optimize the magnetic and giant magnetoresistive parameters of such multilayers of important technological applications.

Mossbauer spectroscopy studies of Fe-Co/MgO catalysts proved that a high dispersion degree of Fe may be achieved for catalysts containing Fe/Co in a ratio close to 1. During materials processing. the presence of hydrogen at high temperatures, even for short time, induced an increased particle size of the catalytic Fe. The evaluation of various iron species from their areas in the Mossbauer spectra revealed the dependence of the nanotube amount on (FeCo alloy + Fe2+) content in the catalyst, in good agreement with literature mechanisms. The Raman spectra show that carbon nanotubes synthesized from ethanol in argon flow on 4.5%Fe:4.5%Co/MgO are richer in low diameter (0.7-1.0nm) tubes than those obtained at low ethanol pressure, in agreement with the effects of hydrogen reported in literature. The close similarity with the Raman spectra of Aldrich double-walled carbon nanotubes and from literature, recommends the syntheses in argon flow as better conditions for double-walled carbon nanotube growth.

The laser pyrolysis became a useful tool, providing various ways, in production of nano materials. The iron Mossbauer spectroscopy is one very accurate method in evidencing the physical properties and related processes in the nano scale compounds. The effect of pressure, laser spot area and induced combustion, of gas mixture and laser power on the phase composition and inside particle distribution, grain size as well as the related phenomena were investigated by temperature dependent Mossbauer spectroscopy. A selection of most relevant properties is presented and discussed in details.

Samples of LaNi5-xFex were prepared by arc melting and subsequent melt spinning procedure. Structural, magnetic and Mossbauer investigations were performed for physical characterization while the hydrogen storage properties were carefully analyzed. Detailed discussions concerning the sample's quality, the site assignment, the effect of temperature and applied fields on hyperfine parameters and the related Debye temperatures were provided. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The laser pyrolysis became a useful tool, providing various ways, in production of nano materials. The iron Mossbauer spectroscopy is one very accurate method in evidencing the physical properties and related processes in the nano scale compounds. The effect of pressure, laser spot area and induced combustion, of gas mixture and laser power on the phase composition and inside particle distribution, grain size as well as the related phenomena were investigated by temperature dependent Mossbauer spectroscopy. A selection of most relevant properties is presented and discussed in details.

Exchange bias and spin valve systems with Fe-Mn antiferromagnetic layers of different Fe concentrations were obtained by the thermo-ionic vacuum arc method. The adherence of the multilayer system to the Si substrate depends on the Fe-Mn composition. The overall roughness depends on the growing order of the antiferromagnetic/ferromagnetic layers. Very low blocking temperatures for exchange bias were observed for the considered compositions of the Fe-Mn layer. The coercive forces of both the pinned and the free layers of spin valve structures can be considerably modified along a large set of samples simultaneously prepared. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

We measured directly the depth-dependent Fe spin rotation upon magnetization reversal in exchange-coupled Fe/MnF2 bilayers using nuclear resonant scattering of synchrotron radiation from an Fe-57-probe layer buried at different depths within the Fe film. Our results show that the exchange-biased ferromagnetic layer develops a noncollinear spin structure along the film normal direction, reminiscent of a partial domain wall parallel to the Fe/MnF2 interface. This is contrary to most theoretical models of exchange bias which assume a collinear spin structure in the ferromagnetic layer.

Four Fe-Mn-Si alloys, Fe(62)Mn(32)Si(6), Fe(62)Mn(20)Si(5)Cr(8)Ni(5), Fe(62)Mn(16)Si(5)Cr(12)Ni(5) and Fe(65)Mn(9)Si(7)Cr(10)Ni(9), were obtained by the melt-spinning method. The samples were structurally, magnetic and shape memory effect (SME) investigated, both ''as quenched'' and thermally treated. The Mn-rich compositions show different phase, magnetic behavior and SME in comparison with Mn-poor compositions. The thermal treatments generate transformation between the two existing majority phases (alpha and gamma), related magnetization and SME behavior. The features are derived from the corroboration of structural, magnetic interaction and magnitude of SME data. (c) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Double perovskite Sr2FeMoO6 type compounds show special properties, such as magnetoresistance response at relatively small-applied fields and at rather high temperatures (ca. 400 K). Perovskite precursors were obtained unconventionally, in liquid phase, using oxalic acid as complexing agent, in the presence of ethylene glycol as polymerization agent. Ordering control concerning the magnetic properties is predictable to be strongly influenced by the synthesis route. The thermal stability of the precursors and the phase transitions of the oxide samples were analyzed by thermal analysis method, IR spectroscopy, Mossbauer spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction method and magnetic measurements. The experimental data for the perovskite compounds prepared by using oxalic acid as complexing agent revealed a double perovskite structure of analyzed samples, convenient magnetorezistive response (3.51 mu(B)/f.u), in good agreement with the Mossbauer spectra. Moreover, Mossbauer spectreoscopy allows the distinction between the ordered and the disordered phases of the perovskite structure and put in evidence the strong dependence of the structural and magnetic characteristics of the double perovskites on the synthesis route.

The laser pyrolysis is a powerful and a versatile tool for the gas-phase synthesis of nanoparticles. In this paper, some fundamental and applicative characteristics of this technique are outlined and recent results obtained in the preparation of gamma iron oxide (gamma-Fe2O3) and titania (TiO2) semiconductor nanostructures are illustrated. Nanosized iron oxide particles (4 to 9 nm diameter values) have been directly synthesized by the laser-induced pyrolysis of a mixture containing iron pentacarbonyl/air (as oxidizer)/ethylene (as sensitizer). Temperature-dependent Mossbauer spectroscopy shows that mainly maghemite is present in the sample obtained at higher laser power. The use of selected Fe2O3 samples for the preparation of water-dispersed magnetic nanofluids is also discussed. TiO2 nanoparticles comprising a mixture of anatase and rutile phases were synthesized via the laser pyrolysis of TiCl4- (vapors) based gas-phase mixtures. High precursor concentration of the oxidizer was found to favor the prevalent anatase phase (about 90%) in the titania nanopowders. Copyright (C) 2008 R. Alexandrescu et al. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Co-MgO granular films presenting TMR effects were prepared by thermo-ionic vacuum arc (TVA) method with the simultaneous ignition of plasma in Co and MgO vapors, respectively. The processing method is suitable for the simultaneous preparation of films of different relative content of Co in the MgO insulating matrix. Morphologic, structural and magnetic behaviors were analyzed in as prepared and annealed samples. The influence of the Co content on the magnetic properties of the prepared films was analyzed, in correlation with tunneling magneto-resistance effects. The tunneling magneto-resistance effect is maximal for certain Co content. This behavior was interpreted by the contrary effects of decreasing the average size of the magnetic grains, and hence the average inter-grains distance at higher Co relative content, and the enhanced magnetic disorder in very fine grains dispersed in the insulating matrix. This mechanism was suggested by the comportment of as prepared and thermally annealed samples.

In the last years the ternary stabilized zirconia ceramics have attracted a considerable attention as a source of materials for structural ceramics. In present paper, the simultaneous influence of Eu3+ and Y3+ cations on zirconia powders (obtained by co-precipitation of aqueous salts solutions) on stabilization process in conjunction with the structural characteristics was investigated. A conventional sintering method (in electric furnace) at 1350 degrees C temperature range was applied. SEM+EDAX and XPS (X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopic) analysis were performed. The Eu3+ Mossbauer parameters: isomer shift and quadrupole splitting have been obtained for 21.6 keV radiation of Eu-151 are in good agreement with the XPS and XRD-obtained crystallographic data of the studied compositions.

Fe3O4 colloids modified by the chiral ligand cinchonidine were prepared with the goal of obtaining a magnetic and catalytic nano-material and were subsequently embedded in silica to form a heterogeneous catalyst. The systems were characterized by TEM and XRD measurements, while the Mossbauer technique was applied for measuring the magnetic properties of the Fe3O4 colloids. The hyperfine magnetic field distribution was consistent with one type of Fe oxide, namely, the magnetite (Fe304). These colloids, both as 'quasi-homogenous catalysts' (or soluble heterogeneous catalysts) and embedded in silica (heterogeneous catalysts) were employed in the selective hydrogenolysis of complex bicyclo[2.2.2]oct-7-enes (bicyclo[2.2.2]oct-2-enes when unsubstituted). (C) 2008 Published by Elsevier B.V.

Nano-technology is a very attractive area of research and innovation because it allows the current trends in miniaturization to continue. The transition from micro scale to nano scale devices has already taken place in many applications such as electronics, magnetic recording and nano-biophysics. However, as we scale down the size of the structures and devices, it becomes obvious that the classical behavior will break down at the nano-scale and an interesting superposition of classical and quantum effects will emerge. Therefore, the validity of classical physics is questioned and many aspects of physics are now being revisited from the point of view of nano-technologies. In line with the new developments in miniaturization and nano-technologies, we propose in this letter a simple mechanism that applies the Faraday effect at the nano-scale in order to create a possible solid-state energy nano-generator device. The proposed nano-generator functionality is based oil what we shall call the Super-Paramagnetic Electromotive Force (SPEF) effect. This has the potential to produce a very small voltage on short time scales by converting directly thermal energy at room temperature to electromotive energy Without the need for external work or mechanical motion.

This work reports on recently investigated structural and magnetic properties of three FexOy-SiO2 nanocomposites prepared by the alkoxide route of the sol-gel method. Depending on the presence or absence of catalyst and on its nature (acidic or basic), important differences among the samples have been observed from the point of view of their structure and properties. (c) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The paper deals with optical and electronic properties of the aluminophosphate glasses containing Fe-Mn and Fe-Cr ion pairs in different concentration. The influence of the mixed alkali ions over the electronic properties has been investigated. The optical behavior (optical transmission) of the glass samples has been studied by UV-VIS spectroscopy and the refractive index dependency on wavelength has been discussed. The transmission spectra show features specific for the doping transition ions (TM), revealing different oxidation states of iron (Fe2+/Fe3+), manganese (Mn2+/Mn3+) and chromium (Cr3+/Cr6+) in the vitreous network. Mossbauer spectroscopy offers information regarding the TM oxidation states, redox processes and the iron coordination symmetry in the vitreous network. In the case of Fe-Mn doped glasses, the percentage of Fe2+ is about 40% and a doubled iron content leads to an increasing of Fe2+ percentage up to 53%. The replacing of lithium ions by natrium ions (mixed alkali effect) provides an increasing of the Fe2+ percentage up to 56%. The occurrence of the tetrahedral or octahedral symmetry of Fe(2+)supercript stop ions bonded by O2- ions depends on the transition ion nature and Li+/Na+ ratio. Infrared absorption spectra of the pair transition ions-doped aluminophosphate glasses reveal optical phonons specific for the phosphate glass matrix.

Two new hetero tri-nuclear oxalates (NH4)(8)[Fe2CO(C2O4)(8)]-6H(2)O and [Fe2Co(C2O4)(2)(OH)(4)]center dot 2H(2)O have been synthesized. The compound presented opposite behaviour in ac-susceptibility measurements, different frustration level and spin-orbit coupling in magnetization ones. The Mossbauer approach pointed to local interactions governed by metal-oxalate strongly coupled unit. The data were interpreted in terms of role of positive (NH4) or negative (OH) bridging ligands on general magnetic properties. (c) 2006 Published by Elsevier B.V.

Various samples of ferrofluids consisting of colloidal suspensions of surfacted cobalt ferrite or magnetite nanoparticles in water were studied by x-ray diffraction and temperature dependent Mossbauer spectroscopy. Information about the particle mean size, the size dispersion and the effective magnetic anisotropy energy was obtained for each sample. The results are consistent with the formation of a magnetic dead layer at the particle surface, whose thickness depends on the surfactant - ferrite combination. The magnetic relaxation processes are faster in the colloidal suspensions of magnetite particles as compared with the suspensions of cobalt ferrite particles. The type of the surfactant also influences the magnetic relaxation behaviour, and hence the macroscopic properties of the ferrofluid at ambient temperature.

Co-MgO granular films presenting TMR effects were prepared by thermo-ionic vacuum arc method with the simultaneous ignition of plasma in Co and MgO vapors. Morphologic, structural and magnetic behaviors were analyzed in as prepared and annealed samples. The influence of the Co content on the magnetic properties of the prepared films was analyzed, in correlation with tunneling magneto-resistance effects. The tunneling magneto-resistance effect is maximal for certain Co content. This behavior was interpreted by the contrary effects of decreasing the average size of the magnetic grains, and hence the average inter-grains distance at higher Co relative content, and the enhanced magnetic disorder in very fine grains dispersed in the insulating matrix.

Three novel mu(3)-oxo trinuclear carboxylates [Fe2CaO(CCl3COO),(THF)(4)] center dot THF (1), [Fe2SrO(CCl3COO)(6)(THF)(6)] center dot 0.5H(2)O center dot 0.5THF (2) and [Fe2BaO(CCl3COO)(6)(THF)(6)] center dot 0.5H(2)O center dot 0.5THF (3) have been synthesised and subsequently characterised by X-ray structure analysis, thermal gravimetry (TG), infra red (IR) spectroscopy and magnetic measurements. Compounds I and 3 are molecular complexes with s- and d-metals displayed in the apexes of isosceles triangles with a triply bridging oxygen atom at its centre. The Ca center dot center dot center dot Fe and Ba center dot center dot center dot Fe separations have the values 3.750(1) and 4.177(1) angstrom, respectively. In comparison with these. Fe center dot center dot center dot Fe separations, 3.229(2) angstrom in 1 and 3.201(1) angstrom in 3, appear much shorter. The molecular complexes obey C-2 symmetry with the twofold axis passing through s metal and mu(3)-oxo atom. The coordination numbers are 6, 7 and 9 for iron. calcium and barium correspondingly. Magnetic studies reveal the presence of an antiferromagnetic exchange in the isosceles triangular skeletons of the trinuclear species. Using the spin Hamiltonian H = -2J(12)[S1S2], the fitting parameters g(Fe) = 2.00. J(Fe-Fe) = -58.90 cm(-1) for 1 and -60.40 cm(-1) for 3; g(Fe) = 2.14, J(Fe-Fe) = -75.40 cm(-1) for 2 have been estimated. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

FexOy-SiO2 nanocomposites were obtained via the sol-gel method, by using three different precursors for the silica matrix. The morphology and the iron phase composition is strongly influenced by the precursors. The presence of magnetically ordered goethite and fayalite is evidenced by low temperature Mossbauer spectroscopy. Subsequent annealing treatments performed on the initial samples have induced the formation of hematite nanoparticles in the silica matrix, mainly on the account of the goethite decomposition. The total amount and the size distribution of the hematite nanoparticles can be controlled via the initial precursors and the subsequent annealing conditions. The simultaneous analysis of the iron phase composition and of the local magnetic interactions in the analysed samples is performed.

Two different Fe/MnF2 samples have been prepared by e-beam evaporation on MgO(001) substrates. The Fe layer in the samples includes a 10 angstrom thick Fe-57 probe layer either at the Fe/MnF2 interface (interface sample) or 35 angstrom away from the interface (center sample). The samples are characterized by X-ray diffraction, conversion electron Mossbauer spectroscopy (CEMS) and SQUID magnetometry. Fe-57 CEMS has been employed to study the depth dependent hyperfine interactions in Fe/MnF2 as a function of temperature between 18 K to 300 K. The hyperfine field B-hf has been obtained for the interfacial and off-interfacial Fe-57 layers. At the interface, besides B-hf of bcc-Fe, the presence of a component with a distribution P(B-hf ) is observed. The latter is assigned to interfacial Fe-57 atoms, indicating some (similar to 15%, equivalent to similar to 1 Fe atomic layer) intermixing at the Fe/MnF2 interface and a decrease of the average by 21%. The influence of the interface disappears as the Fe-57 probe layer is placed away from the interface. The temperature dependence of the average of the interface has been measured. The Fe spins, at remanence, are found to lie in the film plane.

Mg-Ni-Fe magnesium-rich intermetallic compounds were prepared following two distinct routes. A Mg88Ni11Fe1 sample (A) was prepared by melt spinning Mg-Ni-Fe pellets and then by high-energy ball milling for 6 h the obtained ribbons. A (MgH2)(88)Ni11Fe1 sample (B) was obtained by high-energy ball milling for 20 h a mixture of Ni, Fe and MgH2 powders in the due proportions. A SPEX8000 shaker mill with a 10:1 ball to powder ratio was used for milling in argon atmosphere. The samples were submitted to repeated hydrogen absorption/desorption cycles in a Sievert type gas-solid reaction controller at temperatures in the range 520 divided by 590 K and a maximum pressure of 2.5 MPa during absorption. The samples were analysed before and after the hydrogen absorption/desorption cycles by X-ray diffraction and Mossbauer spectroscopy. The results concerning the hydrogen storage properties of the studied compounds are discussed in connection with the micro-structural characteristics found by means of the used analytical techniques. The improved kinetics of hydrogen desorption for sample A, in comparison to sample B, has been ascribed to the different behaviour of iron atoms in the two cases, as proved by Mossbauer spectroscopy. In fact, iron results homogeneously distributed in sample A, partly at the Mg2Ni grain boundaries, with catalytic effect on the gas-solid reaction; in sample B, instead, iron is dispersed inside the hydride powder as metallic iron or superparamagnetic iron.

This paper presents experimental results concerning the influence of the additives on the physical properties of polymer films. Metal oxides/inorganic salts were used as additives in vinyl-polymers solutions. The physical properties of the metal doped polymer films can be significantly modified by the composition of the doping elements and the curing conditions of the polymer. Morphologic, electronic, magnetic and optic properties of the doped polymers were analysed by AFM. SEM. Mossbauer spectroscopy and optical measurements. The film composition and the deposition processes were optimized to allow a better control of the optical parameters (refractive index. transmission). to reduce the processing temperatures and to improve the chemical sensitivity of the films for sensor applications. These compounds can be easily spin coated onto a variety of directly patterned semiconductor substrates. (C) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

NdFeB-based bulk nanocomposite permanent magnets (with Dy and Co partially substituting Nd and Fe, respectively) with additions of Early Transition Metals (ETM = Mo, Ti, Zr, Cu, Nb, V, W), in form of rods with diameters ranging from 0.5 to 0.8 mm, have been prepared by devitrification annealing of amorphous and partly-amorphous precursors produced by injection die casting. A fully amorphous structure was obtained for rods with the diameter as large as 0.6 mm. The as-cast rod samples are magnetically soft and the magnetic hardness develops as the samples are devitrified to the optimum nanostructure. The best-achieved hard magnetic properties have been obtained for the optimum devitrified (15 min at 630 degrees C) Nd(3)Dy(1)F(3)e(66)Co(10)B(20) samples of 0.6 mm in diameter: H-i(c) = 296 kA/m, mu M-0(r) = 0.86 T, Mr/M-max = 0.65 and (BH)(max), = 74 kJ/m. The Mossbauer spectra indicate the coexistence of 4 magnetic phases: 2:14:1, alpha-Fe, Fe3B and a short-range ordered intermetallic Fe-B-type phase.

Magnesium-rich Mg-Ni-Fe intermetallic compounds have been prepared by two different routes: (a) short time ball milling of ribbons obtained by melt spinning; (b) long time ball milling of a mixture of MgH2, Ni and Fe powders. The first type of samples displays an hydrogen desorption kinetics better than the second one. Pressure composition isotherm measurements exhibit for both type of samples two plateaux, the lower and wider corresponding to the MgH2 phase and the upper and shorter corresponding to the Mg2NiH4 phase. The presence of the two types of hydrides is confirmed by X-ray diffraction analysis. Mossbauer spectroscopy shows that in melt spun and subsequently milled samples iron is mainly in a disordered structure and segregates after hydrogenation, while in directly milled powders remains mainly unalloyed. After multiple hydrogen absorption/desorption cycles the main part of iron is in metallic state in samples of both types, those of first type preserving better hydrogen desorption kinetics. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The ability of the Fe-57 Mossbauer technique to reveal the spin structures in exchange coupled magnetic phases containing iron is emphasized. Experimental results obtained on layered exchange-bias systems are presented. The influence of the ferromagnetic top layer on the out-of-plane spin component of the pinning antiferromagnetic-like layer, in both Fe/FeSn2 and Fe/Fe-Gd-B exchange bias systems, is discussed.

The series of compounds RFe11.3W0.7, where R = Dy, Ho, Er, and Lu, has been measured by Mossbauer spectroscopy between 15 and 295 K. A model which takes into account the Wigner-Seitz cell local environment of each iron site, the distribution of tungsten atoms on the 8i site, and the temperature-dependent magnetic structures of the compounds has been used to analyse the spectra. The assignment and the temperature dependencies of the hyperfine fields and the isomer shifts are in complete agreement with the Wigner-Seitz; cell analysis of the three iron sites in RFe11.3W0.7 compounds. The plausible orientations of the iron magnetic moments in the canted magnetic phase of ErFe11.3W0.7 compound have been established by a thorough Mossbauer spectral analysis. The Mossbauer spectra of DyFe11.3W0.7 clearly show the influence of the two spin re-orientations occurring in this compound and indicate the directions of the iron magnetic moments in both canted and planar magnetic arrangements. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Ceria-zirconia supported (10 and 20 wt.% EuCoO3) versus bulk EuCoO3 perovskite were prepared via citrate decomposition at 700 degrees C and tested for toluene complete oxidation. S-BET, XRD, XPS, H-2-TPD and in situ Eu-151 Mossbauer investigations were performed. Electron delocalization processes around the Eu cations are induced by the reaction, as proved via the evolution of the Mossbauer parameters. All characterization data indicate the formation of a well-dispersed EuCoO3 at the surface of Ce0.9Zr0.1O2 for the 10 wt.% loading and larger crystallite formation for 20 wt.% loading. In terms of intrinsic activity for toluene combustion, supported catalysts were more active than bulk EuCoO3. All structural changes during operation time are reversible. (C) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The electron transfer processes induced by the ultraviolet exposure of the Fe and Sb doped polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) thin films were studied in comparison with those appeared in the correspondent mono (Fe or Sb) doped ones. Samples with different thickness and subjected to different exposures were analysed by optical absorption as well as by Fe-57 and Sb-121 Mossbauer spectroscopy. The influence of each element from the pair on the electronic mechanism activated by the ultraviolet exposure was investigated. Accordingly, the (Fe+Sb) doped PVA presents improved electronic characteristics, in respect to the specific behaviour of single metal doped polymer recording media for real time holography.

LaNiSn and NdNiSn compounds and their deuterides have been studied by variable temperature Sn-119 Mossbauer spectroscopy. The hyperfine parameters obtained experimentally are in good agreement with those derived from first principle calculations. The enlargement of quadrupole splitting observed for LaNiSn after deuteration confirms the lower symmetry of electron density around tin atoms indicated by the calculation of partial Sn-p density of states (DOS). Magnetic ordering is observed at low temperature in deuterided NdNiSn.

Melt spun ribbons of FexCu100-x were obtained by different procedures, in order to maximize the dispersion of the Fe atoms in the Cu matrix. Subsequent thermal and mechanical treatments were used for a controlled crystallization process of the soft magnetic phase. A detailed analysis of structural aspects and crystallization dynamics and their relation with the magnetic behavior of the Fe-Cu ribbons has been obtained via Mossbauer spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and magnetic measurements. In order to obtain composite permanent magnets with shape anisotropy, the optimal conditions and the suitable processing were established. &COPY; 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The simultaneous discharge of Fe (or Co) and, respectively, CU metal sources via thermionic vacuum arc (TVA) was used as a new processing method to obtain granular magneto-resistive films. The nano-structured films with thicknesses of 120 +/- 1 nm and 250 +/- 1 nm were obtained in definite conditions and subsequently characterized via electrical measurements at room temperature, in applied magnetic field. The paper reveals the importance of different specific factors (from size and dispersion effects to annealing influence) on the magnetoresistance behavior. A special contribution of the Mossbauer Spectroscopy, concerning the local structure and interactions as well as the magnetic phase characterization, was emphasized.

Simultaneous discharges of Fe and Cu metal sources by thermoionic vacuum arc (TVA) were used as a new procedure for preparation of granular Fe-Cu thin films with sensibly enhanced room temperature giant magnetoresistive effects. The possibilities to produce thin films with a wide range of structural and magneto-transport characteristics are emphasized. The structural aspects of granular Fe-Cu thin films deposited onto Kapton are investigated via X-ray diffractometry, atomic force microscopy and Mossbauer spectroscopy. The magneto-transport properties are strongly related to composition, structure and magnetic interactions inside the films. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Exchange-coupled Fe/FeSn2(001) bilayer systems consisting of a polycrystalline ferromagnetic Fe layer grown on an epitaxial antiferromagnetic FeSn2 layer have been prepared by molecular beam epitaxy and investigated by Fe-57 conversion electron Mossbauer spectroscopy and superconducting quantum interference device magnetometry. The systems show a significant exchange bias effect at low temperatures. Tracer layers of Fe-57 (in the Fe layer) and (FeSn2)-Fe-57 (in the FeSn2 layer) have been placed in the samples in order to probe the spontaneous spin orientation at different distances from the Fe/FeSn2 interface. The Fe spins in the ferromagnetic layer are preferentially oriented in the interfacial plane. In as-prepared samples the presence of the Fe top layer induces a striking out-of-plane component of the interfacial Fe spins in the antiferromagnetic FeSn2 film. This perpendicular component decreases in magnitude at a larger distance from the interface. A reorientation transition from out-of-plane toward in-plane spin orientation was observed in the interfacial FeSn2 layer with increasing age of the sample. This effect is correlated with an increased magnitude of the exchange bias field for the aged samples.

The electronic structure of LaNiSn and NdNiSn compounds and their hydrides has been studied by first principles calculations and variable temperature Sn-119 Mossbauer spectroscopy and the nature of the hydrogen-metal bond is discussed. The analysis of the electronic density of states (DOS) in both compounds before and after hydrogenation indicates an hybridization of the Sn, Ni, and H orbitals. The partial Sn-p DOS of LaNiSnH2 gives evidence for a lower symmetry of electron density around tin atoms compared to LaNiSn, according to the larger quadrupole splitting in the corresponding Mossbauer spectrum. Theoretical and experimental Mossbauer parameters agree very well for all samples.

The equiatomic composition of the FeRh alloy was studied by in situ high pressure energy dispersive X-ray experiments. Pressures as high as 19 GPa were generated using a diamond anvil cell. An incomplete bcc --> fcc phase transition was evidenced, both bcc and fcc phases coexisting above 10.0 GPa. The transition is accompanied by a decrease of the lattice parameter of the remaining bcc phase by approx. 1.5%. A substantial low lattice parameter was observed for the newly formed fee phase, reflecting a rather compressed structure. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Antiferromagnetic (AF) FeSn2(001) epitaxial and polycrystalline layers were grown in ultrahigh vacuum under various conditions on clean InSb(001) substrates and covered by polycrystalline ferromagnetic Fe layers, forming a new system with exchange bias. Isotopically enriched Fe-57- and (FeSn2)-Fe-57-tracer layers were placed on either side of the Fe/FeSn2 interface for a microscopic investigation of the spin structure and atomic interdiffusion phenomena in near-interfacial regions by Fe-57 conversion electron Mossbauer spectroscopy (CEMS) at room temperature and T=10 K. Several spectral components, assigned to pure bcc Fe, Sn-containing bcc Fe, AF-ordered FeSn2, and paramagnetic FeSn2 were resolved in the CEM spectra. Evidence is provided for interdiffusion across the interface. The temperature dependence of the exchange-bias field H-E was measured by magnetometry. The CEMS data provide evidence for a correlation between H-E at low T and chemical disorder (defects) in the FeSn2 films via the intensity of the paramagnetic line. These results support the assumption that exchange bias is related to the presence of AF domains formed via magnetic defects in the antiferromagnet. The T dependence of H-E suggests interfacial exchange-coupling energies higher than the AF wall energy. (C) 2005 American Institute of Physics.

Effects of electronic charge disproportionation were observed by Fe-57 Mossbauer spectroscopy at low temperatures in substituted LaFeO3 perovskites as (La1-xCax)FeO3 and La(Fe1-xMgx)O-3 (xless than or equal to0.5). The presence of both Fe3+ and Fe5+ species was evidenced in both series of compounds. Direct evidence for disproportionation was supported by correlating the Mossbauer results with the chemical determination of tetravalent iron at RT. The evolution of hyperfine parameters vs. substitution degree was comparatively analysed for Fe3+ and Fe5+ ions in relation to their electronic microscopic origin. Electron delocalisation processes are discussed in terms of ion distribution and valence state. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Aluminophosphate glasses doped with Fe, Mn, and Cr have been obtained by a wet non-conventional method. Structural information was provided by IR absorption spectra in the range 2000-500 cm(-1). The optical behaviour (transmission and refractive index) of the samples has been studied by UV-VIS-NIR spectroscopy. The Fe valence state and the local coordination were also analysed via Fe-57 Mossbauer spectroscopy, whose data revealed the redox equilibrium in the Fe-doped glasses according to the redox potentials of the transition ions.

The Fe spin configurations in both the soft- and hard- magnetic phases of nanocomposite Fe/RE2Fe14B exchange-spring ribbons have been analysed by Mossbauer spectroscopy. New criteria for evaluating the inter-phase exchange-coupling strength are proposed. The coupling strength is discussed in relation to the annealing conditions and the relative content of the soft magnetic phase.

The phase composition, local structure and magnetic interactions were investigated in FexOx-SiO2 nanocomposites obtained by modern sol-gel methods. The very sensitive method of Mossbauer spectroscopy has evidenced the strong influence of the silica matrix precursor on the iron phase composition in the initial composites as well as on the size distribution of the hematite nanoparticles obtained by suitable thermal annealing treatments.

Local magnetic interactions and spin configurations in alpha-Fe/Nd2Fe14B composite exchange-spring magnets have been investigated by Mossbauer spectroscopy and the magnetic behaviour was analysed by magnetometry. A new method for the evaluation of the coupling strength between soft and hard magnetic phases is proposed. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

NdNiSnD and PrNiSnD monodeuterides have been studied by Sn-119 Mossbauer spectroscopy at variable temperatures between 4.2 and 300 K. Deuterium insertion into the RE3Ni sites induces at low temperatures a magnetic splitting of the tin nuclear levels. Slightly different magnetic ordering temperatures, 25(1) and 20(1) K, were evidenced for the Nd- and Pr-containing deuterides, respectively. The Mossbauer spectra suggest a similar type of local structures for both compounds, with a mutual substitution of Sn and Ni atoms. The magnetic behaviour is discussed in relation to the different spin waves mechanisms. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The paper presents experimental results concerning the influence of additives from a solution of the PVA on the optical properties of the polymer. The refractive index of the poly (vinyl-alcohol) was modified through the addition of inorganic materials and showed values between 1.5 and 2 (depending on the compositions and the curing conditions of the polymer. The transmittance indicated values above 80%. The additives we used were metal oxides/inorganic salts. The composition and the deposition processes were optimized to allow a better control of the optical parameters (refractive index, transmittance), to reduce the processing temperatures and to improve photosensitivity. PVA with these new light-sensitive compositions can be easily spin coated onto variety of semiconductor substrate and directly patterned. A process was developed for channel waveguides fabrication.

The reaction of the neutral cluster [Fe2BaO(CCl3COO)(6)(THF)(6)] with Eu(NO3)(3) . 6H(2)O in methanol affords novel tetra-nuclear Fe-Eu complex [Fe3EuO2(CCl3COO)(8)H2O(THF)(3)] . THF (1), which displays interesting Mossbauer spectra and magnetic behaviour. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The magnetic interactions and the Fe spin structure have been studied in Fe(6 nm)/FeRh systems by magnetometry, magneto-optic Kerr effect and conversion electron Mossbauer spectroscopy. A spin-flop coupling mechanism, with the interfacial spins of the ferromagnetic phase perpendicular to the spins of the antiferromagnetic phase was experimentally proved. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The electronic mechanisms induced by the UV exposure of thin films of polyvinyl alcohol doped with pairs of mixed valence metal ions were studied in relation to their optical behaviour by Mossbauer spectroscopy and optical absorption. The results obtained definitely point to the role of each element from the pair in the electronic mechanism involved, with influence on the optical properties regarding applications in real-time holography and integrated optics.

New magnetic composite materials, ribbon samples, with nominal compositions FexCu1-x (x=0.2; 0.5; 0.8) were obtained by the melt spinning technique. Various information was provided via X-ray diffraction, Mossbauer and magnetic measurements. The structural aspects: phase composition, size and texture effects, have been corroborated with magnetic properties. Finally, the possibility to choose the adequate composition and the suitable processing in order to obtain desired anisotropic magnetic materials were presented.

The gamma-Fe2O3 nanoparticles with different surface states are investigated by X-ray Diffraction, Electron Microscopy, Differential Thermal Analysis and magnetic: measurements in low applied field. The influence of the adsorbed species (H2O and sulphate complexes) on the inter-particle magnetic interactions is analysed in relation to both the magnetic states of the surface and the inter-particle distance.

Easy axis distribution in metal particle magnetic tapes for linear digital data storage were studied by Mossbauer spectroscopy and magnetometry, for comparison. Qualitative and quantitative agreement between the distribution parameters deduced at room temperature via the two different techniques was found. The proposed methodology based on the interpretation of the Mossbauer data has the advantage that it can be applied at different temperatures and for very thin films. Moreover, angular spin distribution. at low temperatures were obtained by Mossbauer spectroscopy and discussed with respect to the room temperature results. There was evidenced that the room temperature easy axis angular distribution contains both static orientation and dynamical components.

Antiferromagnetic FeSn2(001) thin films with different thicknesses and relatively low Neel temperatures were grown on InSb(001)(4x2) surfaces by molecular-beam epitaxy. The Neel temperature could be increased to above room temperature by subsequent thermal annealing. In situ structural characterization was performed by high- and low-energy electron diffraction. The degree of the structural (001) texture as a function of the preparation and annealing conditions was investigated by x-ray diffractometry. The local magnetic properties and the spin structure were studied using Fe-57 conversion electron Mossbauer spectroscopy (CEMS) at different temperatures. The epitaxial FeSn2(001) thin films exhibit in-plane Fe spin orientation and appear to be suitable antiferromagnets for studying the interfacial spin structure in exchange-biased bilayers by CEMS. (C) 2003 American Institute of Physics.

The electronic mechanism responsible for the optical behavior of the mixed Fe and Sn doped polymers were studied in comparison with the correspondent single doped (Fe or Sn) ones. Optical absorption as well as Fe-57 and Sn-119 Mossbauer measurements were performed on different UV exposed films. The new data provided the role of each element from the pair on the involved electronic mechanism induced by irradiation.

A practical approach for in-plane angular spin distributions in layered systems, as obtained by Mossbauer spectroscopy, is discussed. The line intensity ratio R-23 of a Mossbauer pattern is expressed versus particular distribution parameters in unidirectional, step-shaped and ellipse-type models. The distribution parameters are deduced from experimental spectra taken by rotating the sample in its own plane. Three-dimensional spin distributions with small out-of-plane components can be analysed using the same method. The procedure is exemplified on four samples containing metallic nano-particles. The in-plane angular magnetic moment distributions derived with this method are compared with the results from bulk vector vibrating sample magnetometry in order to prove the accuracy of the described technique. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.

Two new phases Th4Fe13Sn5 and ThFe0.22Sn2 have been studied by Fe-57 and Sn-119 Mossbauer spectroscopy. The Fe-57 Mossbauer spectra of Th4Fe13Sn5, measured at room temperature and 4.2 Ii without and with applied magnetic field up to 5.5 T, exhibit four sextets. Our measurements prove that all four Ft: sub-lattices are collinear. The Sn-119 Mossbauer spectra of Th4Fe13Sn5 show two sextets with different B-eff, reflecting the influence of ferromagnetic nn iron atoms. The results obtained from full-potential linear augmented plane wave (LAPW) calculations are in agreement with the experimental data and confirm the assignment of Mossbauer spectra, The Mossbauer data for the ThFe0.22Sn compound prove the existence of two different sites both for Fe and Sn, all having icosahedral co-ordination. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V, All rights reserved.

Recent studies of mechanically alloyed Fe-Cu powder mixtures have suggested differences in the local magnetic environment of iron atoms. For a more accurate definition of this point, ball-milled Cu70Fe30 and Cu50Fe50 alloys were investigated by Mossbauer spectroscopy in the, temperature range 4.2-300 K. The low temperature Mossbauer spectra exhibit a broad magnetic pattern. typical of a defect structural configuration. The magnetic splitting strongly decreases with increasing temperature, especially in the case of Cu70Fe30 alloy. But even for this composition there is, at room temperature, an unresolved magnetic pattern. Applying a magnetic field of 3 T, parallel to gamma rays, at 4.2 K a rotation of all magnetic moments along the external field is observed. The samples behave as an alloy with continuously distributed local fields. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science BY. All rights reserved.

Quaternary Ti53Zr21Ni13Fe13 alloys were prepared by melt-spinning using peripheral wheel speeds omega =19.5, 24.2 and 30m/s. The icosahedral (i-) phase formation was studied using high resolution synchrotron radiation powder diffraction. An amorphous phase component is present irrespective of the rapid solidification conditions, its volume fraction decreasing towards lower quenching speed values. The amorphous phase coexists with a b.c.c. rational approximant phase (W-phase). For omega below 20 m/s the formation of an i-phase was also noticed. Transmission Fe-57 Mossbauer spectroscopy measurements indicate that the number of asymmetrical Fe positions decreases with decreasing w in agreement with the improved structural perfection of the W-phase and with the formation of an additional i-phase. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.

The temperature dependence of the Mossbauer doublet linewidth of tetrahedrally coordinated Fe2+ ions, distorted by the Jahn-Teller effect, was analysed by means of a new mathematical approach. The idea was that the linewidth depends on a distribution of quadrupole splittings that are in turn dependent on temperature. The variation of the quadrupole splitting was supposed to be connected with the temperature dependent population of the ground state E-g orbitals, split by the local Jahn-Teller effect. The model was applied to three sets of experimental data. The barrier splitting Delta between the two E-g electronic states as well as their widths, delta Delta, were obtained.

The local configurations and related hyperfine interactions of the tetrahedrally coordinated Fe2+ in two natural spinels were investigated. A special fitting procedure of the Mossbauer spectra is proposed in order to cover the involved mechanisms over the whole temperature range. The behavior of the quadrupole splitting vs temperature was successfully explained in terms of the split of the electronic 3d ground state doublet under a non-cooperative Jahn-Teller effect also providing estimates of the splitting energy for each configuration.

The effects of Mo substitution in Pr2Fe17-xMox and PrFe12-xMox compounds were investigated by X-ray diffraction, magnetic measurements and Mossbauer spectroscopy. Different fitting procedures, using magnetic sextets at low temperature, magnetic sextets and quadrupole doublets at room temperature and paramagnetic doublets well above the Curie points, had to be considered in order to analyze the Mossbauer spectra. The Mossbauer data obtained on the Mo-containing compounds stand for distributions of the hyperfine fields due to the random distributions of Mo over the 6c sites in the 2:17 and 8i sites in the 1:12 compounds. The variations in the isomer shifts and hyperfine fields with composition are discussed in relationship to the local environment details at the different iron sites. Site-specific information on the electronic effects due to Fe(Sd)-Mo(4d) states hybridization are derived. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.

The frustration of the trinuclear clusters with antiferromagnetic intracluster interaction was investigated at low temperature and in applied magnetic field, by Mossbauer, susceptibility and magnetisation measurements. The spin configuration and the electronic state are described as a function of the temperature and the intensity of the applied field. The values of the exchange integrals are provided. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.

The analysis of the Mossbauer spectra of (Cu0.8Fe0.2)(100-x))B-x the melt spun ribbons taken at several temperatures between 4.2 K and room temperature allowed us to identify the occurring Fe-containing phases: alpha-Fe, gamma-Fe and Fe solid solutions. The presence of B inhibits the phase transformation from fee to bcc Fe. For x = 0 and 1, the amount of Fe in the Fe solid solution is close to 3 at.% solubility limit, while for x=3 besides crystalline Fe3B, a supersaturated phase of 9.7 at.% Fe in the Fe solid solution was found, showing a strong deviation from the binary equilibrium phase diagram. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.

Iron-containing pyrochlores, having ions with various valencies on the B-sites, were investigated by magnetic measurements and Mossbauer spectroscopy. The influence of the ionic radius and of the valence state of the different cations accommodated on A or B sites on the super-exchange interactions and local distortions was emphasized. Three local configurations of iron were given as evidence in agreement with a model based on a random distribution of ions over the B-sites. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science S.A.

Samples obtained from the hot conditioning and hot performance procedures have been investigated by GEMS. Various types of substrates were considered. The surface phases were assigned to magnetite, alpha-Fe, wustite and to spinel solid solutions. The data have been analyzed taking into account the compound stoichiometry, the number of iron unequivalent positions appeared in each identified phase and the relative ratio of the formed products.

A Mossbauer and magnetic study of FeRh has been undertaken in order to understand better the remarkable properties of both melt-spun BCC and ball-milled FCC-phases of the anti-invar FeRh alloy. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.

Two original evaluations of the embedding process and of the hydration promotion in cements using only Mossbauer data have been proposed. Quantitative factors connected with the Mossbauer parameters and describing the hydration degree, the quality of the precipitate bonds in the cement matrix, as well as the influence of the additional organic components on the hydration process were found.

The UV exposure of Fe:PVA thin films induces modifications of both the refractive index and the absorption coefficient. M-line spectroscopy showed the variation of the refractive index while Mossbauer measurements present the Fe2+/Fe3+ ratio versus the exposure energy. The diffraction efficiency experimental data were satisfactorily explained in correlation with the Fe2+/Fe3+ ratio.

Six new mu 3-oxo trinuclear iron(III) complexes of the type [Fe3O(R-COO)(6)(H2O)(3)] . X, where X = NO3- or Cl- and R = C-5, C-7, C-8, C-9 were synthesized and investigated by Infra Red, Mossbauer Spectroscopy and magnetic measurements. The data pointed to a high spin state (S = 5/2) for iron and for antiferromagnetic interactions. The asymmetrical shape of the Mossbauer doublet and its temperature dependence was treated using the Plume relaxation model. The relaxation process is influenced by both X and R components.

The Fe:PVA thin films were studied by optical and Mossbauer spectroscopy. Both the absorption and Mossbauer spectra are dependent on the PVA dilution and ferric chloride concentration. A strong correlation between the optical and Mossbauer results was found, indicating the major role of the iron electronic local levels in the optical phenomena. A relation between the various absorption probabilities and also indirect information about the Debye temperatures were obtained. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science S.A.

A Mossbauer spectroscopy study of the intermetallics RE6Fe14-xMx where RE=Nd or Pr, M=Ga or Al and x=1 or 2 was undertaken. A comparative analysis of the Mossbauer spectra showed that the second Al or Ga atom substitutes preferentially for the Fe atoms located at the 161 sites. The reduction of the hyperfine fields in Nd6Fe12M2, as compared with Nd6Fe13M, mainly at the 16k, 161, and 161(2) and the corresponding decrease of the average Fe moment gives rise to a total magnetic moment of 41 mu(B) per formula unit in excellent agreement with previous saturation magnetisation measurements.

A magnetic susceptibility and Mossbauer spectroscopy study of the perovskite Bi2FeRhO6 was undertaken. A freezing start temperature around 270 K was evidenced by both methods. Unlike homogeneous magnetic systems the freezing occurs by involving continuously more and more Fe spins with decreasing temperature over the whole interval down to 4.2 K. At low temperature some evidence for long range antiferromagnetic interactions was found. The Mossbauer data allowed a satisfactory description of the peculiar temperature dependence of the magnetic susceptibility as a superposition of a slain glass antiferromagnetic component and a paramagnetic one. The gradual spin freezing and the absence of percolation derived from the strong influence of the short range interactions, their strengths reflecting the random distribution of the Fe and Rh ions over the B sites of the ABO(3) perovskite. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science S.A.

The light induced modifications in thin films of Fe:PVA were studied by optical and Mossbauer spectroscopy. Under the UV exposure both the refractive index and the absorption coefficient are changing. The real part of the refractive index is measured using m-line Spectroscopy. As a function of UV exposure, the optical absorption as well as the Mossbauer spectra were measured. A correlation between the optical and the measured Fe2+/Fe3+ ratio is discussed. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science S.A.

The crystallization kinetics of the amorphous alloy Fe77Gd3B20 were examined under isothermal flash annealing conditions both in air and in a vacuum. Magnetic measurements were used to determine the reaction order (n) and activation energy (E(a)), and Mossbauer spectroscopy (MS) was used to identify some resulting crystalline phases.

The ferric chloride doped polymers change their refractive index under UV irradiation. The Fe:PVA is sensitive to ferric chloride concentration, molecular weight of PVA, and recording beam power. By Mossbauer investigations we tried to correlate the Fe2+ / Fe3+ ratio, as well as the temperature dependence of the energetical parameters with the assumed mechanisms which involve both the valence state of iron and a cross-linking reaction of PVA matrix.

Mossbauer measurements performed on Fe100-xGdx thin films and on Fe80-xGdxB20 both as thin films and ribbons show a dependence of the spins orientation and [H-hyp] versus temperature, Gd content and preparation conditions. Increasing the Gd content, the initial low anisotropy disappears and [H-hyp] decreases. A sharp increase of the anisotopy with temperature in ribbons with low Gd concentration is evidenced.

The operational range of the gas counters used in conversion electron Mossbauer spectroscopy (CEMS) is at the limit between the proportional counter and Geiger Muller domains. Starting from the theory of phenomena in gas detectors under space charge conditions, a general expression for the multiplication factor was obtained. The theoretical results, presented graphically, are discussed in connection with experimental data.

Magnetic and Mossbauer experiments were performed on Fe100-xGdx thin films and on Fe80-xGdxB20 both in thin films and ribbons for x less-than-or-equal-to 20. The ferrimagnetic order is perturbed by the presence of B and Fe-interactions are.different. For small Gd content, the low anisotropy is in the film plane, while for greater Gd the anisotropy goes out of the plane giving typical features of hysteresis loops and strong decrease of Mossbauer hyperfine fields.