Influence of nano-dimensionality on magnetotransport, magnetic and electrical properties of Nd1-xSrxMnO3-δ (0.3 ≤ x ≤ 0.7)

Observed Curie temperature is in the range of 102-115 K and it is found to be independent of Strontium doping concentration. Bifurcation in FC-ZFC, for all the samples, is at higher temperature than blocking temperature (∼72 K) indicates glassy state. We have calculated thickness of magnetic dead layer by two different ways and it lies between 1.6 and 2.9 nm. Concentration of divalent element and oxygen non-stoichiometry affects the relative fraction of Mn3+/Mn4+ ions. Mn3+/Mn4+ in our samples is determined from areas under the deconvoluted X-Ray Photoelectron Spectra (XPS) of Mn core level. The Mn3+/Mn4+ ratio is higher than the value expected from nominal composition, which indicates oxygen non-stoichiometry. Oxygen non-stoichiometry is also confirmed by chemical titration method.