Influence of nano-dimensionality on magnetotransport, magnetic and electrical properties of Nd1-xSrxMnO3-δ (0.3 ≤ x ≤ 0.7)

Abstract Magneto-electric and electronic properties of Nd 1- x Sr x MnO 3-δ (0.3 ≤  x  ≤ 0.7) (NSMO) nanoparticles are investigated. NSMO nanoparticles are synthesized by glycine assisted auto combustion method. The structural and morphological properties are probed using X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM). NSMO crystallizes in orthorhombic structure and nearly spherical agglomerated morphology is observed. Resistivity of the order of few MOhm-cm is recorded for all the compositions and the transport mechanism is interpreted by using Mott variable range hopping (VRH) model. In absence of magnetic field all samples show insulating nature over the studied temperature region (300- 5 K), while Metal to Insulator transition is observed in the presence of magnetic field (8T). Large Colossal Magnetoresistance (CMR) is noticed below 50 K for NSMO. Observed Curie temperature is in the range of 102–115 K and it is found to be independent of Strontium doping concentration. Bifurcation in FC-ZFC, for all the samples, is at higher temperature than blocking temperature (∼72 K) indicates glassy state. We have calculated thickness of magnetic dead layer by two different ways and it lies between 1.6 and 2.9 nm. Concentration of divalent element and oxygen non-stoichiometry affects the relative fraction of Mn 3+ /Mn 4+ ions. Mn 3+ /Mn 4+ in our samples is determined from areas under the deconvoluted X-Ray Photoelectron Spectra (XPS) of Mn core level. The Mn 3+ /Mn 4+ ratio is higher than the value expected from nominal composition, which indicates oxygen non-stoichiometry. Oxygen non-stoichiometry is also confirmed by chemical titration method.