What is antiferromagnetic material?

Answer: Antiferromagnetic materials are typically found in transition metal complexes, particularly oxides. Haematite, metal including such chromium, alloys including such iron magnesium (FeMn), & oxide including such nickel oxide are examples (NiO). There are countless examples in high nuclearity metal complexes as well. Under some conditions, organic molecules also can display antiferromagnetic coupling.

Neutron diffraction on transition metals including such nickel, iron, & manganese oxides revealed the first antiferromagnetic structures. Clifford Shull’s work provided the first evidence that magnetic dipoles might be directed in an antiferromagnetic configuration.