Ambient Temperature Synthesis of Spinel Ni3S4: An Itinerant Electron Ferrimagnet

NIS4 crystallizing in the cubic spinel structure has been synthesized by an ambient temperature reaction between aqueous nickel chloride and sodium dithionite solutions* The product has been characterized by X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, and electrical resistivity, Seebeck coefficient, and magnetic measurements. N S is metastable and it begins to decompose above 100°C. NI3S4 is metallic and it exhibits itinerant electron ferrimagnetism.