Impact of NiO nano-particles on colossal magneto-resistance of La0.70Ca0.30MnO3 composite

Abstract

Mixed-valent perovskite manganite has gained considerable research interest due to the increasing demand for energy storage materials. Herein, we show that colossal magneto-resistance properties of La_0.7Ca_0.3MnO₃ (LCMO) can be changed via nickel oxide (NiO) doping. A two-step conventional solid-state reaction method is used to synthesize LCMO-10% NiO composite. The phase purity, structural, electrical (resistivity), and magneto-transport properties of as-synthesized LCMO-10% NiO composite are detailed. NiO doping shifts metal–insulator transition temperature (T^MI) from 263 K to 195 K and increases resistivity. The magneto-resistance (MR) measurements showed 10% NiO doping resulted in a maximum MR of ∼ -70.32% at 200 K (near T^MI) and 10 T applied magnetic field. However, -0.0849% MR is seen at 290 K (RT) and 0.3 T. The increased ∼ -63.85% MR is found at 100 K and at 10 T, which is comparatively much higher than the pristine LCMO sample. This is due to the addition of NiO in LCMO that improves physical properties (i.e., grain size).