Synthesis of Epitaxial Metal Oxide Nanocrystals via a Phase Separation Approach

Abstract

Perovskite phase instability of BiMnO(3) has been exploited to synthesize epitaxial metal oxide magnetic nanocrystals. Thin film processing conditions are tuned to promote the breakdown of the perovskite precursor into Bi(2)O(3) matrix and magnetic manganese oxide islands. Subsequent cooling in vacuum ensures complete volatization of the Bi(2)O(3), thus leaving behind an array of self-assembled magnetic Mn(3)O(4) nanostructures. Both shape and size can be systematically controlled by the ambient oxygen environments and deposition time. As such, this approach can be extended to any other Bi-based complex ternary oxide system as it primarily hinges on the breakdown of parent Bi-based precursor and subsequent Bi(2)O(3) volatization.