Crucial role of interdiffusion on magnetic properties of in situ formed MgO/Fe3-δO4 heterostructured nanowires

Although a heterointerface in oxides plays a crucial role on the properties, such heterointerface effects on oxide nanowires have not been well understood. Here, we demonstrate the crucial role of atomic interdiffusion on the magnetic properties of in situ formed MgO/Fe3-delta O4 heterostructured nanowires. The wide variation of nanowire heterointerfaces was found when varying the growth atmosphere. The occurrence of the interdiffusion and the large interface area of nanowires strongly affect the magnetism via forming mixed spinel structures at the heterointerface. Thus, it is crucial to precisely control the atomic interdiffusion at the heterointerface for the desired properties of heterostructured oxide nanowires. (c) 2008 American Institute of Physics.