Structural, electrical and magnetic properties of Er doped YCrO3 nanoparticles

Abstract

Erbium (Er) doped perovskite YCrO3 (YCO) nanoparticles were successfully prepared by the sol-gel method. The crystal structure, optical, electrical, and magnetic properties of the samples were characterized. The effect of erbium doping was studied by Rietveld refinement analysis. UV–vis absorption data show that with the increase of doping concentration the band gap decreases. The result of electrical properties indicates that the increase of temperature dc conductivity increases and dielectric permittivity follows the modified Cole-Cole model. Ac conductivity variation with frequency has been explained by CBH (correlated barrier hopping) conduction mechanism. From the complex impedance plot, the existence of the grain boundary contribution to the relaxation in the sample can be seen. A relaxor like ferroelectric phase transition is observed at 450 K. The observation of the hysteresis loop and the increase of magnetization value by Er doping confirmed the magnetic ordering in YCO nanoparticles. Our results demonstrate the effect of Er doping on structural, electrical and magnetic properties of YCO nanoparticles which is essential for its successful device application.