Preparation, structural, dielectric and magnetic properties of LaFeO3-PbTiO3 solid solutions

TL;DR

This study investigates the structural, dielectric, and magnetic properties of LaFeO3-PbTiO3 solid solutions, revealing phase transitions, magnetic ordering, and potential multiferroic behavior through comprehensive diffraction and spectroscopic analyses.

Contribution

It provides a detailed phase diagram and insights into the interplay of structure, magnetism, and dielectric properties in LaFeO3-PbTiO3 solid solutions, highlighting their multiferroic potential.

Findings

Complete solubility in the perovskite series.

Orthorhombic and tetragonal phase coexistence depending on composition.

Long-range G-type antiferromagnetic order in samples with x<0.5.

Abstract

Solid solutions of (1-x)LaFeO3-(x)PbTiO3 (0<x<1) have been prepared by conventional solid-state reaction. These complex perovskites have been studied by means of X-ray (XRPD) and neutron powder (NPD) diffraction, complemented with dielectric, magnetic, heat capacity and M\"ossbauer measurements. Complete solubility in the perovskite series was demonstrated. The NPD and XRPD patterns were successfully refined as orthorhombic (x \leq 0.7) and tetragonal (x \geq 0.8). A composition-driven phase transformation occurs within the interval 0.7<x<0.8. The samples with x<0.5 showed evidence of long-range magnetic ordering with an G-type antiferromagnetic arrangement of the magnetic moments of the Fe3+ cations in the B-site with propagation vector k = (0,0,0). Based on the obtained experimental data, a combined structural and magnetic phase diagram has been constructed. The factors governing the structural, dielectric and magnetic properties of (1-x) LaFeO3 - (x)PbTiO3 solid solutions are discussed, as well as their possible multiferroicity.