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Physical properties of quasi-one-dimensional MgO and Fe3 O4 -based nanostructures

Abstract:

We have studied the properties of several representative one-dimensional structures - MgO nanowires, Fe3O4 hollow nanotubes, Fe3O4 nanowires, and MgO/Fe3O4 core/shell nanotubes - by means of first-principles-based calculations. Each of these nanostructures reveals different electronic properties with novel electronic states due to the large surface/interface of the nanocylinders. Electronic states of the Fe3O4 nanowire are localized around small clusters of atoms, and its bands appear with almost no energy dispersion. Localization is not a direct consequence of structural disorder; instead, it seems to be induced by an enhanced charge transfer due to the undercoordination on the surface. The combined effect of the MgO/Fe3O4 nanostructure shows that the MgO is well coated and even bulk-like states can be observed. However, the magnetite suffers important atomic reconstructions losing symmetries and increasing its atomic-like behavior. Effects of axial deformations on the properties and the relation of the results to potential technological applications are discussed. © 2014 American Physical Society.