Growth, characterization, and magnetic properties of a Li(Mn,Ni)PO4 single crystal

TL;DR

This study reports the successful growth and detailed characterization of Ni-doped LiMnPO4 single crystals, revealing their structure and magnetic properties, which are relevant for potential applications in magnetic and energy storage devices.

Contribution

First-time growth of Ni-doped LiMnPO4 single crystals using the travelling-solvent floating-zone method and comprehensive structural and magnetic characterization.

Findings

Crystals exhibit large single crystalline grains.

Phase purity confirmed by X-ray diffraction.

Magnetic measurements show anisotropic magnetic properties.

Abstract

Ni-doped LiMn0.95Ni0.05PO4 single crystals have been grown for the first time by the travelling-solvent floating-zone method at low Argon pressure. The grown sample exhibits large single crystalline grains as revealed by means of polarization microscopy and X-ray Laue back scattering. The composition of the crystal was determined by Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. LiMn0.95Ni0.05PO4 orders in an orthorhombic olivine-like structure as expected and phase purity was confirmed by powder X-ray diffraction. An oriented cuboid with size of 2.4 x 2.5 x 2.7 mm3 along a, b, and c crystalline directions, respectively, was used for anisotropic magnetic measurements.