Tailoring of structural, morphological, electrical, and magnetic properties of LaMn1−xFexO3 ceramics

Abstract

This study undertakes a comparative analysis of the structural, morphological, electrical, and magnetic characteristics of Fe-doped LaMnO₃ ceramics. The solid-state reaction method was used to prepare Fe-doped LaMnO₃ at different concentrations (0.00 ≤ x ≤ 1.00) and has been characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM). The structural transformation from rhombohedral to orthorhombic with Fe-doping is demonstrated by Rietveld's refined XRD patterns. The positive slope in Williamsons–Hall's (W–H) plots confirms the presence of tensile strain with increasing average crystallite size. Quasi-spherical morphology of all the compositions with similar uniformity was confirmed by FESEM images. The chemical distribution of all the elements has been identified by EDS mapping images. Normal dielectric dispersion behaviour of all the samples with NTCR response is confirmed by dielectric and impedance analysis respectively. Increasing lattice volume with Fe-concentration results is increasing E_a. The presence of antiferromagnetic ordering, in addition to weak ferromagnetic ordering, is indicated by the unsaturated magnetization even up to a high external field. The decrease in M_S and increase in H_C values due to Fe-doping reflect the influence of particle size on various magnetic parameters.