Experimental studies of Cr2NiAl half-metallic inverse Heusler compound for spintronic applications

Heusler alloy-based materials have been experimentally and theoretically explored owing to the growing features, determining interests, and capacities in spintronics. In the present work, the structural, morphological, thermal, thermoelectric, and magnetic properties of inverse Heuser alloy Cr2NiAl have been investigated. Mechanical alloying was used to prepare the inverse Heusler alloy to produce homogeneity and nanocrystalline nature. The structure and magnetization effects on the size of the nanoparticles were investigated. Structural analysis reveals face-centered cubic with XA or Xα structure. A high-resolution scanning electron microscope study discloses that the particles have aggregated morphology. Thermoelectric measurement endorses metallic to semiconducting-like nature. Room-temperature magnetization measurement suggests soft ferromagnetic nature. Enhanced magnetic properties such as magnetic saturation, coercivity, and retentivity are observed with an increase in annealing temperature.