The magnetic properties of ultrafine particles of Ni(OH)2

Ultrafine particles of Ni(OH)₂ were prepared by precipitation from aqueous solution. The susceptibility of the ultrafine particles shows a distinctive maximum at temperature which is rather lower than T_N of the large particles. Using the c-axis oriented ultrafine particles prepared by the sedimentation method, the magnetic susceptibility and the magnetization curve perpendicular and parallel to the c-axis of the ultrafine particles were measured. The magnetization curve showed a small hysteresis in low field and a remanent magnetization which increased with decrease of the particle size. Two-step jump was observed in the magnetization curve of the ultrafine particles when the external field was applied along the c-axis. The magnetic properties characteristic of the Ni(OH)₂ ultrafine particles are discussed.