Preparation and magnetic properties of CoWO4 nanocrystals

Abstract

Cobalt tungstate (CoWO 4) nanocrystals with an average size of 20-50 nm were synthesized via a template- or surfactant-free hydrothermal route. The crystal structure and morphology of the as-synthesized CoWO 4 sample were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Magnetic measurements on the as-synthesized CoWO 4 nanocrystals indicate a Néel temperature (T N) of ∼40 K. This lower T N may be a result of the nanostructured particles that reduce the exchange coupling. The new synthetic route presented in this paper has potential applications to fabricate other metal tungstates (MWO 4) materials. Show more