X-ray spectromicroscopy of single NiOantiferromagnetic nanoparticles

The chemical and magnetic properties of NiO nanoparticles (NP) have been studied with single-particle sen-sitivity by means of synchrotron-based, polarization-dependent X-ray absorption spectroscopy using photoemis-sion electron microscopy around the Ni L3,2 edges. Three samples of NP in a size range of 40-120 nm were syn-thesized by thermal decomposition and subsequent calcination processes. The analysis of the local X-ray absorption spectra of tens of individual NP indicates a strong dependence of their Ni oxidation state with the cal-cination protocol of each sample. Additional electron-microscopy-based images and spectra of a few individual NP as well as other standard macroscopic data are in very good agreement with these experimental findings. These results showcase the relevance of combining standard and advanced single-particle studies to gain further insight into the understanding and control of electronic and magnetic phenomena at the nanoscale.