Magnetic State of the Nickel Oxide Nanoparticles Formed in Low-Pressure Arc Discharge Plasma

Nickel oxide nanoparticles are synthesized for the first time by spraying of high-purity nickel in the oxygen plasma of a low-pressure arc discharge. The structure, morphology, and optical and magnetic properties of the NiO nanoparticles are studied by various techniques. X-ray diffraction data and processing X-ray diffraction patterns by the Rietveld method show that the nanoparticles have a cubic lattice and are 13 nm in size. Transmission electron microscopy images show that the NiO nanoparticles are characterized by a narrow particle-size distribution, from 5 to 25 nm. The band gap of NiO determined from its optical absorption spectrum is 3.21 eV. Based on the experimental data and their analysis, possible scopes of application of the prepared material as magnetic recording devices are suggested.

Automated summary

Nickel oxide nanoparticles are successfully synthesized for the first time through spraying high-purity nickel in the oxygen plasma of a low-pressure arc discharge. The nanoparticles exhibit a cubic lattice structure with a size of 13 nm and a narrow particle size distribution of 5 to 25 nm. The band gap of NiO is determined to be 3.21 eV from its optical absorption spectrum, suggesting potential applications in magnetic recording devices.