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Structural and magnetic characterisation of the pyrochlores Bi{sub 2-x}Fe{sub x}(FeSb)O{sub 7}, (x=0.1, 0.2, 0.3), Nd{sub 1.8}Fe{sub 0.2}(FeSb)O{sub 7} and Pr{sub 2}(FeSb)O{sub 7}

Journal Article · · Journal of Solid State Chemistry
 [1];  [2];  [1]; ;  [3];  [1]
  1. School of Chemistry, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT (United Kingdom)
  2. Instituto de Quimica Fisica 'Rocasolano', CSIC, Serrano 119, 28006 Madrid (Spain)
  3. School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT (United Kingdom)

Four antimony-containing pyrochlores with compositions Bi{sub 2-x}Fe{sub x}(FeSb)O{sub 7}, where x=0.1, 0.2, 0.3, and Nd{sub 1.8}Fe{sub 0.2}(FeSb)O{sub 7} have been synthesised, their structural properties examined, and compared to that of the pyrochlore phase Pr{sub 2}(FeSb)O{sub 7} which we have structurally characterised for the first time. The Fe{sup 3+} ions in Pr{sub 2}(FeSb)O{sub 7} are located only on the B-sites whereas in the bismuth- and neodymium-containing pyrochlore structures the Fe{sup 3+} ions are present on both the A- and B-sites giving rise to static displacive disorder in the A{sub 2}O' chains. The presence of a smaller cation on the A-site in materials of composition Bi{sub 2-x}Fe{sub x}(FeSb)O{sub 7} appears to lower the radius ratio (r{sub A}/r{sub B}) and leads to a stabilisation of the structure. Magnetic susceptibility measurements reveal no long range order, but Bi{sub 1.9}Fe{sub 0.1}(FeSb)O{sub 7} and Bi{sub 1.8}Fe{sub 0.2}(FeSb)O{sub 7} undergo transitions at ca. 12K to a spin-glass state; Nd{sub 1.8}Fe{sub 0.2}(FeSb)O{sub 7} and Pr{sub 2}(FeSb)O{sub 7} are paramagnetic. - graphical abstract: Intersite cation mixing in A{sub 2}(FeSb)O{sub 7} (A=Bi, Pr, Nd) pyrochlores. Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The instability of the pyrochlore composition Bi{sub 2}FeSbO{sub 7} is reported for the first time. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Structure analysis confirms the presence of Fe on the Bi-site. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The presence of Fe{sup 3+} on two distinct sites is supported by Moessbauer spectroscopy. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer For Nd{sub 2}FeSbO{sub 7} and Pr{sub 2}FeSbO{sub 7,} Fe can also enter the Nd/Prsite. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer No magnetic order occurs in these materials.

OSTI ID:
22150034
Journal Information:
Journal of Solid State Chemistry, Journal Name: Journal of Solid State Chemistry Vol. 198; ISSN 0022-4596; ISSN JSSCBI
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English