Effect of sintering temperature on the magnetic properties and charge density distribution of nano-NiO

Phase pure nano nickel oxide was synthesized by the chemical precipitation method and sintered at 200A degrees C, 400A degrees C and 600A degrees C, respectively, to study the effect of sintering on the charge distribution and magnetism. The samples were analyzed by X-ray diffraction for electron density distribution studies, vibrating sample magnetometry for magnetic behavior and by UV-VIS spectrophotometry for optical characteristics. Rearrangement of charge density distribution with respect to sintering temperature was analyzed through the maximum entropy method employed using powder X-ray diffraction data. The observed magnetic transition with respect to the temperature/size effect was analyzed and correlated with electron density distribution studies.