Tuning of Metal/Insulator Transition around Room Temperature of Perovskites Sm1-xNdxNiO3

• Published in: Journal of solid state chemistry 1995-11, Vol.120 (1), p.157-163
• Main Authors: Frand, G., Bohnke, O., Lacorre, P., Fourquet, J.L., Carré, A., Eid, B., Théobald, J.G., Gire, A.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Chemical Sciences; Condensed matter: electronic structure, electrical, magnetic, and optical properties; Electron states; Exact sciences and technology; Inorganic chemistry; Material chemistry; Metal-insulator transitions and other electronic transitions; Physics
• ISSN: 0022-4596; 1095-726X
• DOI: 10.1006/jssc.1995.1391

We report here a study of the synthesis and properties of the solid solution series Sm1-xNdxNiO3. It was found to crystallize in the GdFeO3-type orthorhombically distorted perovskite structure. The metal-insulator (M/I) transition was mapped out as a function of the composition. It is possible to control this transition between 200 and 410 K by simply adjusting the composition. For instance, the M/I transition occurs at room temperature for Sm0.55Nd0.45NiO3, and the variation of the transition temperature with composition is about 2.3 K/x%. These phase transitions have been studied by differential scanning calorimetry, microwave procedure, and X-ray diffraction. Microwave data reveal hysteresis effects. An interpretation of the experimental results may be the coexistence of the metallic and insulating phases. On the other hand, we have observed that the enthalpy change of phase transition decreases when the powder is ground. This phenomenon can be related to amorphization of the material.