Researchers from the University of Buenos Aires and the National University of General San Martín in Argentina have developed a novel approach to create complex oxide nanoparticle arrays with precise control over their size and ordering. This breakthrough could have significant implications for various energy technologies, including solid oxide fuel cells and energy conversion systems.
The team, led by Dr. Sergio Passanante and Dr. María Soledad Moreno, combined the properties of ordered mesoporous thin films and complex oxide nanoparticles to design new heterostructures. They successfully synthesized La0.88Sr0.12MnO3, a type of complex oxide, inside the pores of a mesoporous SiO2 thin film using pulsed laser deposition. This method allows for the creation of highly controlled nanoparticle arrays that can be easily integrated into micro and nanofabrication processes.
To understand the filling process, the researchers deposited samples for three different deposition times on both mesoporous and non-mesoporous SiO2 substrates. They then studied the structural, magnetic, magnetocaloric, and electrical transport properties of these samples. The results confirmed the presence of the manganite compound inside the pores, with cross-section elemental mapping providing further evidence. X-ray reflectometry showed that the filling of the pores could be controlled, leaving some porosity accessible.
The magnetic behavior of the samples suggested the presence of weakly interacting ferromagnetic nanoparticles inside the pores. This finding is crucial for the development of energy conversion systems and solid oxide fuel cells, as it demonstrates the potential for creating highly efficient and controllable nanoparticle-based devices.
The research was published in the journal Advanced Functional Materials, highlighting the significance of this work in the field of materials science and energy technology. The ability to control the size and ordering of complex oxide nanoparticles opens up new possibilities for the development of advanced energy technologies, including spintronics and neuromorphic memristor networks. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient and sustainable energy solutions in the future.
This article is based on research available at arXiv.