Effects of Ag doping on the microstructural, morphological, and magnetic properties of a perovskite material, (La1-xAgx)0.8Ca0.2MnO3

Abstract

In this study, perovskite (La1-xAgx)0.8Ca0.2MnO3 material was synthesized using the solgel method with different Ag doping levels (x = 0.0.3 and 0.1). The precursors, La2O3, AgN3, Ca(NO3)2.4H2O, and Mn(NO3)2.4H2O were combined stoichiometrically and sintered at 900°C for 24 h. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy was used to confirm the purity of each sample. Rietveld refinement of the X-ray diffraction pattern showed that the samples had a single phase and orthorhombic structure with the Pnma space group. Scanning electron microscopy revealed density, porosity, and granular morphology that affected the characteristics of the sample. The magnetic hysteresis curves indicate that the material was paramagnetic and material with x = 0.1 has a higher magnetic susceptibility than with x = 0.03.