Abstract
Tungstates $A$WO$_4$ with the wolframite structure characterized by the $A$O$_6$ octahedral zigzag chains along the $c$-axis, can be magnetic if $A$=Mn, Fe, Co, Cu, Ni. Among them, MnWO$_4$ is a unique member with a cycloid Mn$^{2+}$ spin order developed at low temperature, leading to an interesting type-II multiferroic behavior. However, so far no other multiferroic material in the tungstate family has been found. In this work, we present the synthesis and the systematic study of the double tungstate LiFe(WO$_4$)$_2$. Experimental characterizations including structural, thermodynamic, magnetic, neutron powder diffraction, and pyroelectric measurements, unambiguously confirm that LiFe(WO$_4$)$_2$ is the secondly found multiferroic system in the tungstate family. The cycloidal magnetism driven ferroelectricity is also verified by density functional theory calculations. Although here the magnetic couplings between Fe ions are indirect, namely via the so-called super-super-exchanges, the temperatures of magnetic and ferroelectric transitions are surprisingly much higher than those of MnWO$_4$.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
