A comparative study of the magnetic and magnetotransport properties between a metallic (x=0.6) and a semiconducting (x=0.2) member of the solid solution LaNixCo1-xO3

TL;DR

This study compares magnetic and magnetotransport properties of LaNixCo1-xO3 compounds with x=0.2 and x=0.6, revealing distinct metallic and semiconducting behaviors and differing magnetoresistance effects, while highlighting their magnetic similarities.

Contribution

It provides a comparative analysis of two different compositions in LaNixCo1-xO3, elucidating their distinct electronic and magnetotransport behaviors and the underlying mechanisms.

Findings

LaNi0.6Co0.4O3 shows metallic behavior with small negative magnetoresistance.

LaNi0.2Co0.8O3 exhibits semiconducting behavior with giant negative magnetoresistance.

Both compounds share similar magnetic properties despite different electronic behaviors.

Abstract

We present a comparative study of both the magnetic and magnetotransport properties for two members of the perovskite solid solution LaNixCo1-xO3 (x=0.2, 0.6) located on opposite sides of the chemically induced metal-to-insulator transition. LaNi0.6Co0.4O3 exhibits metallic behavior and small but negative magnetoresistance, whereas LaNi0.2Co0.8O3 exhibits semiconducting behavior and giant negative magnetoresistance at low temperatures. On the other hand, we observe pronounced similarities in the magnetic properties of both compounds. A consistent explanation regarding the origin of the magnetoresistance in the two members of the solid solution is provided.