We present a solid-state synthesis of ferromagnetic lithium niobate nanoparticles (LiNbO₃) and their corresponding structural aspects. In order to investigate the effect of heat treatments, two batches of samples with a heat-treated (HT) and non-heat-treated (nHT) reduction at 650 °C in 5% of hydrogen/argon were considered to investigate the multiferroic properties and their corresponding structural aspects; using magnetometry and scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM). Results indicate the existence of ferromagnetic domains with a magnetic moment per unit cell of 5.24 × 10-3 μB; caused mainly due to voids and defects on the nanoparticle surface, as confirmed by STEM measurements.
Keywords: ferroelectric; ferromagnetic; lithium niobate; nanoparticles; scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM).