Magnetic evolution of spinel Mn1−xZnxCr2O4 single crystals. Issue 62 (13th June 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lin, G. T.; Luo, X.; Pei, Q. L.; Chen, F. C.; Yang, C.; Song, J. Y.; Yin, L. H.; Song, W. H.; Sun, Y. P.
• Is Part Of: RSC advances. Volume 6:Issue 62(2016)
• Page Start: 56839
• Page End: 56844
• Publication Date: 2016-06-13
• Subjects: Chemistry -- Periodicals; 540.5
• DOI: 10.1039/c6ra10323e
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2046-2069

Abstract

Abstract : Mn1− x Zn x Cr2 O4 (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) single crystals have been grown using the chemical vapor transport (CVT) method. Abstract : Mn1− x Zn x Cr2 O4 (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) single crystals have been grown using the chemical vapor transport (CVT) method. The crystallographic, magnetic, and thermal transport properties of the single crystals were investigated by room-temperature X-ray diffraction, magnetization M ( T ) and specific heat C P ( T ) measurements. Mn1− x Zn x Cr2 O4 crystals show a cubic structure, the lattice constant a decreases with the increasing content x of the doped Zn 2+ ions and follows the Vegard law. Based on the magnetization and heat capacity measurements, the magnetic evolution of Mn1− x Zn x Cr2 O4 crystals has been discussed. For 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.3, the magnetic ground state is the coexistence of the long-range ferrimagnetic order (LFIM) and the spiral ferrimagnetic one (SFIM), which is similar to that of the parent MnCr2 O4 . When x changes from 0.3 to 0.8, the SFIM is progressively suppressed and spin glass-like behavior is observed. When x is above 0.8, an antiferromagnetic (AFM) order presents. At the same time, the magnetic specific heat ( C mag. ) was also investigated and the results are coincident with the magnetic measurements. The possible reasons based on the disorder effect and the reduced molecular field effect induced by the substitution of Mn 2+ ions by nonmagnetic Zn 2+ ones in Mn1− x Zn x Cr2 O4 crystals have been discussed.