Solid State Synthesis and Characterization of NiTe Nanocrystals

NiTe nanocrystals were prepared through facile and fast solid state reaction (mechanical alloying) of pure elemental tellurium and nickel powders in an argon atmosphere. The samples processed for 3 h, 5 h and 10 h were characterized by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, magnetization and Raman spectroscopy. Hexagonal NiTe crystals with an average size of 30 nm can be obtained after only 3 h of processing time. Transmission electron microscopy images showed a broad crystalline size distribution in the agglomerated particles and selected area electron diffraction revealed its crystalline character. NiTe ferromagnetic behavior was confirmed and magnetic parameters were dependent on processing time. Raman spectra showed no unreacted Te or tellurium oxides, but it also showed that laser induced phases transitions (including Te re-crystallization) can be observed for modest laser power (<3 mW).