Crystal structure and magnetic property correlation in Cd sub(1-x)M sub(x)Cr sub(2)Se sub(4) (M = Sb, Sn, In)

• Published in: Journal of magnetism and magnetic materials 2015-11, Vol.394, p.200-206
• Main Authors: Behera, P Suchismita, Bhobe, P A
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Antimony; Chromium; Lattice parameters; Lattices; Magnetic properties; Order disorder; Symmetry; Tin
• ISSN: 0304-8853
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jmmm.2015.06.064

CdCr sub(2)Se sub(4) orders magnetically below T sub(c) ~ 130 K. The magnetic ordering is believed to result from strong competition between the direct Cr-Cr spin couplings and the Cr-Se-Cr exchange interactions. Partial substitution of Cd super(2+) by small percentage of non-magnetic In, Sb, or Sn is expected to bring about local lattice distortion and changes in the electronic charge redistribution that subtly affects the Cr-Cr and Cr-Se-Cr interactions. Our results on the measurement of magnetic properties of Cd sub(1-x)M sub(x)Cr sub(2)Se sub(4) (M = Sb, Sn, In) reflects this premise. We investigate compositions with up to 10% substitution of Cd super(2+) with Sb, In, and Sn ions so as to maintain the Fd3m symmetry of CdCr sub(2)Se sub(4). The x-ray diffraction analysis using Rietveld refinement technique confirms the symmetry of the lattice and provide the various lattice parameters. Measurement of magnetic properties indicates change in the ordering temperatures and total magnetic moment Formation of multiple Cr valence in the substituted compositions and changing lattice constant seem to effect the magnetic properties. Certain features in magnetic properties hint towards low-spin transition of Cr super(2+).