Investigating half-metallic Mn2TiSn Heusler alloy for advanced spintronics applications

Abstract

Multiferroic composites with high magnetic and electric properties at room temperature are considered the most significant materials due to their potential applications in many electronic devices. Furthermore, ultrafast, eco-friendly, energy-efficient innovative techniques to develop multifunctional materials have attracted abundant importance. In this study, we report on ferromagnetic particulate alloy prepared via a clean, eco-friendly, ultrafast, wet ball milling method followed by annealing at different temperatures. The multiferroic properties of the annealed samples were investigated via different characterizations. X-ray diffraction confirmed the identification of face-centered cubic with L2₁ arrangement. The calculated average crystallite size of prepared Mn₂TiSn (900 °C/20 h.) Heusler alloy nanoparticles using Scherer’s formula were found to be 37 nm. A high-resolution electron microscope reveals the aggregated morphology with a particle size ranging from 80 to 120 nm. The temperature-dependent electrical resistivity and Seebeck coefficient were measured, suggesting that the alloy behaves like an n-type semiconductor. Such semiconducting behavior may be considered as an indication that Mn₂TiSn full-Heusler alloy is a spin-gapless semiconductor. Vibrating sample magnetometer measurements suggest that the alloy has soft ferromagnetic properties with low coercivity and high saturation. This result may offer an alternative technique for preparing alloys with improved magnetic and electrical properties. Thus, this work suggests that the material is feasible for spintronic applications.