Antiphase boundaries in truncated octahedron-shaped Zn-doped magnetite nanocrystals

Abstract

The presence of antiphase boundaries with local ferromagnetic coupling is herein related to the magnetic performance of truncated octahedron-shaped zinc-doped magnetite nanocrystals. Atomic resolution STEM imaging reveals the presence of these antiphase boundaries perpendicular to the [111] direction of the spinel structure of the nanocrystals. Magnetic characterization and DFT calculations indicate a local ferromagnetic order, originating from Fe–Fe enrichment at these individual lattice defects in the nanocrystals, as the underlying cause of the magnetic response measured.