Magnetic memory effect at room temperature in exchange coupled NiFe2O4-NiO nanogranular system

Compared to the low temperature memory effect observed in magnetic nanoparticles (NPs), here we report a room temperature memory effect in a Ferrimagnetic (FiM)-Antiferromagnetic exchange coupled NiFe2O4-NiO nanogranular system, which is experimentally studied by different protocols of dc magnetization relaxation measurements below the blocking temperature TB = 345 K. The interfacial exchange coupling between the FiM NiFe2O4 clusters and the spin-glassy like phase is proposed to provide an additional anisotropic energy, leading to the enhancement of the magnetic memory effect up to room temperature. The observed memory effect is discussed based on the multiple distribution of energy barriers for both the FiM NPs and interfacial magnetic exchange anisotropy.