Abstract
We report on the observation of the development of superconductivity through interparticle interactions in 3, 5, 7, and 23 nm ferrimagneticlike Sn nanoparticle assemblies. The Sn nanoparticles are fabricated using the gas condensation method. Each sample consists of a macroscopic amount of individual Sn nanoparticles without a capping molecule. Ferrimagnetism is found but no sign of superconductivity can be detected when the 3 nm particles are very loosely assembled. A reduction in the mean particle moment results when the packing fraction of the assembly is increased. Superconductivity occurs when a critical packing fraction is reached. Beyond this, the superconducting transition temperature TC continues to increase and noticeably exceeds that of the bulk TC. The enhancement of superconductivity by interparticle interactions has also been observed in 5, 7, and 23 nm particle assemblies, with the effect becoming less significant in larger particles. We attribute these observations to the transfer of electrons between the surface and the core regions of the nanoparticles triggered by finite size effects and interparticle interactions.
Original language | English |
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Article number | 764 |
Journal | Journal of Nanoparticle Research |
Volume | 14 |
Issue number | 4 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Mar 2012 |
Keywords
- Ferrimagnetism
- Interparticle interaction
- Sn nanoparticle
- Superconductivity