Crystal structure of MnN resolved using x-ray absorption fine structure

• Published in: Journal of alloys and compounds Vol. 1038; p. 182507
• Main Authors: Kumar, Yogesh, Kalal, Shailesh, Tayal, Akhil, Gupta, Mukul
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 20.08.2025
• Subjects: Manganese mononitride; Transition metal nitrides; XAFS; XRR; Manganese mononitride; XRR; XAFS; Transition metal nitrides
• ISSN: 0925-8388
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jallcom.2025.182507

The potential of manganese mononitride (MnN) as an antiferromagnetic material for exchange bias applications is significant, yet its crystal structure is a subject of ongoing debate. Early 3d transition metal mononitrides, such as TiN, and VN, are well-known to crystallize in the rock salt (RS) structure, whereas later ones, like CoN and FeN, favor the zinc blende (ZB) structure. The structural ambiguity of MnN, positioned midway in the 3d series, necessitates further investigation. This study employs a comprehensive x-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) analysis to clarify the crystal structure of MnN. Single-phase MnN thin films, produced by reactive magnetron sputtering, are characterized using x-ray diffraction (XRD), x-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES), and extended x-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS). XRD data indicates the successful formation of the MnN phase during the reactive nitrogen sputtering of Mn. By analyzing XANES spectra at the Mn K and L-edges, as well as the N K-edge, and combining the results with EXAFS analysis, this study concludes that MnN crystallizes in the RS structure. The sensitivity of the metal K-edge XANES pre-edge peak to local coordination symmetry is crucial in this determination. [Display omitted] •The debate about the structure of MnN has been resolved in this work.•A systematic study of phase formation & structure of MnN thin films is presented.•MnN is an emerging antiferromagnet for spintronic applications.•The structure of MnN is debated to be rock-salt or zinc-blende type.•X-ray absorption fine structure analysis confirm rock-salt type structure of MnN.