Measurement of the giant magnetoresistance effect in cobalt–silver magnetic nanostructures: nanoparticles

Cobalt–silver (Co–Ag) core–shell nanoparticles with different silver thicknesses were prepared by the microemulsion method in a two-step reduction process. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) characterization revealed the almost monodispersity and nanometric size (in the range 3–5 nm depending on the shell thickness) of the synthesized nanoparticles. However, it was the use of high-resolution TEM that revealed the correct core–shell formation of the nanometric material. The selected area electron diffraction pattern indicated the fcc (face-centered cubic) and hcp (hexagonal close packed) nature for silver and cobalt, respectively. Cyclic voltammetry also allowed the correct core–shell formation to be assured. The magnetic properties revealed the presence of both superparamagnetic and ferromagnetic contributions. Because of the lack of methodology, it was necessary to develop a method to measure the magnetotransport properties of the prepared nanoparticles. The strategy which followed was successful as it was possible to measure these properties: giant magnetoresistance values of 0.1% at room temperature were obtained. The numerical analysis of magnetic and magnetoresistance data indicated the presence of superparamagnetic particles showing interaction among the magnetic moments. (paper)