Synthesis and Study of Correlated Phase Transitions of CrN Nanoparticles

Chromium nitride is an important transition metal nitride for studying fundamental properties and for advanced technological applications. It is considered a model system for exploring structural, electronic, and magnetic transitions. These transitions occur at 275 ± 10 K and appear to be coupled; however, many discrepant studies on these transitions can be found in the published literature. The underlying reasons for these controversies are suspected to be the CrN nanoparticles preparation methods, strains, impurities, stoichiometry, nanoparticle size, characterization methods, and ambient conditions for characterizing them. This article is focused on the review of the nanoparticle synthesis methods and the use of these nanoparticles for studying structural, electronic, and magnetic transitions. The focus is mainly on the experimental methods, while theoretical simulations are briefly reviewed at the end of the article.