Electron spin resonance study of the La0.8Sr0.2MnO3 nanoparticle-decorated carbon nanotubes

We have studied La0.8Sr0.2MnO3 (LSMO) nanoparticle-decorated carbon nanotubes (CNTs) by means of the electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy in view of our previous work on the magnetic and electrical properties of the system. One of the line components of the ESR spectrum reflected a paramagnetic–superparamagnetic phase transition at TSP∼200 K, which is accompanied by a concomitant metal–insulator transition (MIT) associated with charge transport taking place through the CNTs network triggered by the LSMO nanoparticles. On the other hand, another ESR line component revealed anomalies at TWL∼170 K as well, attributable to a 2D weak localization effect of the spin/charge carriers. Thus, magnetic interactions and dynamics of the distinct spin species were sensitively reflected in the LSMO-CNTs system.