Magnetic memory effect in chelated zero valent iron nanoparticles

We report the study of nonequilibrium magnetic behavior of air stable zero valent iron nanoparticles synthesized in presence of N-cetyl-N,N,N-trimethyl ammonium bromide chelating agent. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy study has suggested the presence of iron oxides on nZVI surfaces. Zero-field-cooled and field-cooled magnetization measurements have been carried out at 20–300 K and 100 Oe. For field-cooled measurements with 1 h stops at 200, 100 and 50 K when compared with the warming cycle, we found the signature of magnetic memory effect. A study of magnetic relaxation at the same temperatures shows the existence of two relaxation times.