Structural and magnetic investigation of In₂Fe₂₋ₓGaₓCuO₇

Abstract

The solid solution of In₂Fe₂₋ₓGaₓCuO₇ (space group P6₃/mmc) was synthesized and investigated through X-ray diffraction and magnetic susceptibility studies. Limited changes to the lattice parameters were observed as a result of the similar ionic radii for Fe³⁺ and Ga³⁺ in the trigonal bipyramidal (TBP) crystallographic site. An increase in the Weiss temperature, along with spin glass behavior are observed from x = 0 – 2, but irregularities in the trend are apparent for x = 0.75 and 1. With the highest concentration in magnetic ions, In₂Fe₂CuO₇ appears to have competing nearest neighbor interactions that produce a suppression of the Curie tail and the experimental magnetic moment. In comparison to InFe₁₋ₓGaₓCuO₄, both solid solutions show an invariable progression of the lattice parameters, but the magnetic properties are greatly affected by the distinct TBP layering schemes.Keywords: X – ray diffraction, Layered compounds, Trigonal bipyramidal coordination, Transition metal oxides, Magnetic propertiesKeywords: X – ray diffraction, Layered compounds, Trigonal bipyramidal coordination, Transition metal oxides, Magnetic propertie