Direct measurement of Co-ion spin state transitions in Ca3Co4O9 using variable-temperature electron energy-loss spectroscopy

作者：Yang Guang^*; Ramasse Quentin; Klie Robert F

来源：Applied Physics Letters, 2009, 94(9): 093112.

DOI：10.1063/1.3081118

• calcium compounds
• electrical resistivity
• electron energy loss spectra
• heat treatment
• magnetic susceptibility
• solid-state phase transformations
• spin dynamics

Previous studies of Ca3Co4O9 suggested that the abrupt changes in the magnetic susceptibility and electrical resistivity at similar to 420 K can be attributed to Co spin state transitions. In this letter, we study the possible transitions above 420 K by variable-temperature Z-contrast imaging and electron energy-loss spectroscopy. We find that there is no observable change in the structure and Co valence state upon in situ heating to 500 K, compared to room temperature. However, an intensity decrease of the prepeak in the O K-edge near edge fine structure indicates a Co3 -ion spin state transition has occurred from a low to an intermediate spin state.

• 出版日期2009-3-2