Weak Ferromagnetism in NiS 2 under Nanocrystallization

Abstract

Structurally well-ordered NiS 2 nanocrystals with an average diameter of 27.0 ± 6.5 nm retain the bulk-like two-step antiferromagnetic transitions, as shown by magnetization and heat-capacity measurements. Below the lower transition, the nanocrystals exhibit a hysteretic ferromagnetic response with large coercivity, exchange bias, and a vertical loop shift after field cooling, whereas the M–H response just above the transition is nearly linear. Taken together, these features are best explained by uncompensated surface moments generated where the low-temperature antiferromagnetic order terminates at the nanocrystal surface. The absence of a clear additional bulk-like weak-ferromagnetic component constrains homogeneous-canting models and indirectly favors a domain-wall scenario for the weak ferromagnetism of bulk NiS 2 .