Structural and magnetic properties of geometrically frustrated multiferroic ErMnO3 nanoparticles

• Published in: Journal of alloys and compounds 2013-02, Vol.551, p.654-659
• Main Authors: Raneesh, B., Saha, A., Das, D., Kalarikkal, Nandakumar
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Alloys; Condensed matter: electronic structure, electrical, magnetic, and optical properties; Diffraction; Exact sciences and technology; Ferromagnetism; Hysteresis loops; Magnetic measurements; Magnetic properties; Magnetic properties and materials; Magnetic properties of nanostructures; Magnetomechanical and magnetoelectric effects, magnetostriction; Multiferroic; Nanocrystals; Nanoparticles; Nanostructures; Physics; Sol–gel process; X-rays
• ISSN: 0925-8388; 1873-4669
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jallcom.2012.11.019

► Nano crystalline multiferroic ErMnO3 has been synthesized by the sol–gel method. ► Significant size effect of antiferromagnetic transition in ErMnO3 nanoparticles was demonstrated by the (χ–T) magnetic measurements. ► Indications of weak ferromagnetism in the form of a narrow hysteresis loop at 5K. ► A very weak magneto electric effect which was detected by a dynamic lock-in amplifier technique. Single phase hexagonal nanocrystalline ErMnO3 has been synthesized by the sol–gel method to study their structural and magnetic properties. Rietveld refinement of the X-ray powder diffraction data shows that the sample is single phase and crystallized in a hexagonal structure belonging to the P63cm space group. The magnetic characterization indicates that antiferromagnetic ordering of the Mn sublattice occurs at TN=65K. Indications of weak ferromagnetism in the form of a narrow hysteresis loop at 5K and a very weak magnetoelectric (ME) coupling in ErMnO3 nanoparticles are attributed to intrinsic effects.