Magnetoelectric and structural properties ofY2CoMnO6: The role of antisite defects

Abstract

The finding of new multiferroic materials, where electric and magnetic orders coexist, is a challenging task currently. The double perovskite Y${}_{2}$CoMnO${}_{6}$ shows spontaneous magnetization and electrical polarization at low temperature. Previous investigations of this compound did not reach agreement about the type of magnetic structure present. This study demonstrates that this compound exhibits a collinear ferromagnetic ordering of Co${}^{2+}$ and Mn${}^{4+}$ moments in the $a\phantom{\rule{0}{0ex}}c$ plane with a small antiferromagnetic canting along the $b$ axis. A thorough characterization of the dielectric properties reveals the absence of any related anomaly in the dielectric permittivity and the lack of spontaneous electrical polarization ($P$) in the $P$($E$, electric field) loops. The pyroelectric current is strongly dependent on the number of antisite defects in the Co/Mn arrangement, the heating rate, and the poling field. Thus, the observed electric polarization is due to thermally stimulated depolarization currents ascribed to defect dipoles mainly placed at the antiphase boundaries. No ferroelectric transition occurs in this material, disproving the existence of intrinsic magnetoelectric multiferroicity.