Structural and Magnetic Properties of Nickel Oxide Nanopowders

Structure and magnetic properties of nickel oxide (NiO) nanopowders have been studied by X-ray/neutron diffraction, SQUID magnetometer, and micro-Raman spectroscopy. Our diffraction data indicate that at room temperature all NiO powders are antiferromagnetically ordered and have a rhombohedral (R-3m) phase. The SQUID magnetometry and Raman spectroscopy measurements support the presence of the antiferromagnetic ordering.