Properties of magnetically diluted nanocrystals prepared by mechanochemical route

The bulk and surface properties of magnetically diluted Cd0.6Mn0.4S nanocrystals synthesized by solid state route in a planetary mill were studied. XRD, SEM, TEM (HRTEM), low-temperature N2 sorption, nanoparticle size distribution as well as SQUID magnetometry methods have been applied. The measurements identified the aggregates of small nanocrystals, 5-10 nm in size. The homogeneity of produced particles with well developed specific surface area (15-66 m2 g−1) was documented. The transition from the paramagnetic to the spin-glass-like phase has been observed below ∼40 K. The changes in the magnetic behaviour at low temperatures seem to be correlated with the formation of the new surface area as a consequence of milling. The magnetically diluted Cd0.6Mn0.4S nanocrystals are obtained in the simple synthesis step, making the process attractive for industrial applications.