Structural, magnetic and electrical analysis of La1−x Nd x CrO3 (0.00 < x < 0.15): synthesised by sol–gel citrate combustion method

Abstract

La1−x Nd x CrO3 (x = 0.00, 0.05, 0.10 and 0.15) perovskites were synthesised successfully through sol–gel citrate combustion method. The influence of Nd in LaCrO3 lattice, microstructure, magnetic and electrical properties was evaluated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), vibrating sample magnetometer techniques and impedance analyser. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman study reveal the structural distortion associated with Nd3+ substitution. The FE-SEM reveals the wide range of grain size between 150 and 500 nm. The M (H) curve of the samples shows weak canted antiferromagnetism and paramagnetism at 5 and 300 K, respectively. The measured field cooled curves (FCC) and zero field cooled magnetisation processes on La1−x Nd x CrO3 (x = 0.00, 0.05, 0.10 and 0.15) show negative magnetisation in the FCC mode, which get enhanced on Nd3+ substitution due to the antiparallel ordering of Nd3+ magnetic moment with respect to Cr3+ magnetic moment. The Neel temperature (T N) of the sample decreases on Nd substitution. The electrical conductivity spectra $$\sigma^{\prime } (f)$$ between 100 Hz and 1 MHz exhibit a single power law in the measured temperature range of 303–453 K. The impedance plot reveals the semiconductor nature with grain boundary for La1−x Nd x CrO3 (x = 0.00, 0.05, 0.10 and 0.15) samples.