Investigation of the role of morphology on the magnetic properties of Ca2Mn3O8 materials

Ca2Mn3O8 exhibits a complex layered structure comprised of Mn3O84- layers separated by Ca2+ ions. In contrast with the more traditional triangular Delafossite layered materials the Mn3O84- layers additionally exhibit an ordered vacancy which forms a 'bow-tie' like arrangement of the Mn4+ ions. We report a comprehensive study of the magnetic properties of a series of Ca2Mn3O8 materials with different morphologies. EXAFS and XANES analysis confirm no differences in either manganese environment or oxidation state between materials. Apparent differences in magnetic order from SQUID magnetometry can be rationalised by uncompensated surface spins arising as a result of changes to the surface:volume ratio between morphologies. Furthermore, these data suggest these materials are potentially frustrated in nature, due to the triangular connectivity of Mn4+ spins with a simple ‘spin-up/spin-down’ (↑↓) antiferromagnetic model unable to explain the data collected.