Size-dependent magnetism and exchange bias effect in Sm_0.27Ca_0.73MnO₃ nanoparticles

Magnetic properties of compacted Sm_0.27Ca_0.73MnO₃ nanoparticles with average particle size ranging from 20 to 80 nm have been investigated in wide temperature and magnetic field range. It has been found that charge ordering transition gradually shifts to lower temperatures with decreasing particle size and almost disappears for 20 nm particles. At the same time, the relative volume of the ferromagnetic phase increases monotonously. Field-induced transition from antiferromagnetic to ferromagnetic state in 80 nm particles appears at the same magnetic field as in the bulk. In small 20 nm particles, the transition is strongly suppressed by increasing surface spins disorder. Magnetic hysteresis loops show size-dependent exchange bias effect with exchange field, remanence asymmetry, and magnetic coercivity that depend on cooling magnetic field and temperature. Magnetic training effect has been observed in 20 nm particles and analyzed using a spin relaxation model. The thermoremanence and isothermoremanence curves have provided fingerprints of irreversible magnetization originating from the glassy component. Analysis of remanence curves has showed that the inner core of small 20 nm particles behaves as a two-dimensional diluted antiferromagnet.