Evidence of ferrimagnetism in ferromagnetic La0.67Ca0.33MnO3 nanoparticle

The present paper shows that bulk La0.67Ca0.33MnO3 (LCMN) sample of micron size particles is a typical ferromagnet and magnetic properties of LCMN samples with particle size in the nanometer scale are better described in the frame work of a ferrimagnetic structure. Detailed analysis of the temperature dependence of the inverse of paramagnetic susceptibility has confirmed the signature of ferrimagnetism in the nano-sized particles of LCMN. We have explained the observed ferrimagnetism as an effect of modified magnetic properties in the core–shell spin structure of LCMN particles, irrespective of the nanocrystalline and amorphous phase of the material.

Research highlights
► La0.67Ca0.33MnO3 is synthesized in bulk polycrystalline, nanocrystalline and amorphous phase.
► The transformation of ferromagnetism to ferrimagnetism is an effect of core-shell spin structure.
► The novel concept of two magnetic substructures can better describe the core-shell magnetism.