Manganese substitution effects in SmFeO3 nanoparticles fabricated by self-ignited sol–gel process

Abstract

Through the optimization of process, a series of orthorhombic perovskite SmFe 1-x Mn x O 3 (x = 0, 0.05, 0.1, 0.15, 0.2, 0.25) nanoparticles were readily prepared by selfignited sol-gel process. The Mn substitution effects on the structure, morphology and magnetic properties of SmFeO 3 have been investigated in detail. Pure phase orthorhombic SmFeO 3 is calcinated at 900°C for 3 h. By the introduction of Mn 3? , the synthesis temperature of orthorhombic perovskite-type SmFe 1-x Mn x O 3 particles has been lowered to be around 700°C. At room temperature, weak ferromagnetic behavior is observed at SmFeO 3 which is caused by its canted antiferromagnetic ordering. In the SmFe 1-x Mn x O 3 system for x B 0.15, the weak ferromagnetic interactions are effectively enhanced with increasing Mn 3? , showing increased magnetization and coercive field. However, for SmFe 0.8 Mn 0.2 O 3 and SmFe 0.75 Mn 0.25 O 3 , the weak ferromagnetic couplings begin to decrease. SmFe 0.85 Mn 0.15 O 3 displays the strongest ferromagnetic behavior. This peculiar behavior is ascribed to the complex magnetic interactions between Mn and Fe ions. Graphical Abstract A series of orthorhombic perovskite SmFe 1-x Mn x O 3 (0 B x B 0.25) nanopowders were readily prepared by self-ignited sol-gel process. The calcination temperature has been lowered to be around 700°C by the introduction of Mn 3? . SmFe 0.85 Mn 0.15 O 3 displays the strongest ferromagnetic behavior. The tunability of the magnetic characteristics of SmFe 1-x Mn x O 3 is ascribed to the complex magnetic interactions between Mn and Fe ions.

Preparation of nickel and Ni3Sn nanoparticles via extension of conventional citric acid and ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid mediated sol–gel method

“…Sol-gel method is a conventional way for preparation of functional materials such as oxides [1], carbides [2], and sulphides [3] because this method can ensure homogeneous molecular level mixture of different components [4]. Homogeneous mixing can be accomplished by combination of chemicals with chelating agents in aqueous or organic solutions [5].…”