HT-solution growth and characterisation of In{sub x}Na{sub x}Mn{sub 1-2x}WO{sub 4} (0<x≤0.26)
A new solid solution system, In{sub x}Na{sub x}Mn{sub 1–2x}WO{sub 4} (0<x=≤0.26) belonging to the MnWO{sub 4}-type multiferroics was investigated. Large single crystals were grown up to several mm in length from high-temperature oxide solutions using a solvent mixture of Na{sub 2}WO{sub 4} and Na{sub 2}W{sub 2}O{sub 7}. Quantitative doping degrees were analyzed by means of electron microprobe. Single crystal X-ray diffraction studies agreed with the polar space group P2 for In{sub x}Na{sub x}Mn{sub 1–2x}WO{sub 4}. The complexity of partial (Na{sup +}/Mn{sup 2+})- and (In{sup 3+}/Mn{sup 2+})-ordering makes their atomic sites unique, explaining the dissymmetrization from P2/c down to P2. This is also valid for the InNaW{sub 2}O{sub 8}-type Mn{sub 2y}In{sub 1-y}Na{sub 1-y}W{sub 2}O{sub 8} solid solution found as co-product in this study. Specific heat and magnetisation measurements showed a paramagnetic dilution effect from (In{sup 3+}/Na{sup +})-doping while lowering the transition temperature for the multiferroic phase AF2 of In{sub x}Na{sub x}Mn{sub 1–2x}WO{sub 4} with respect to the prototype MnWO{sub 4}. - Graphical abstract: A volume expansion around Mn2 site by (In, Na)-doping is drawn by the atomic shifts in a Mn2O{sub 6} octahedron in the atomistic structure of In{sub 0.20(2)}Na{sub 0.17(2)}Mn{sub 0.63(4)}WO{sub 4} from the respective atomic positions of In-free MnWO{sub 4}. The size and direction of arrows are scaled up for indicating the consequent local distortion. - Highlights: • HT solution crystal growth of (In, Na):MnWO{sub 4}-solid-solution compounds. • Polar space group symmetry P2 for their atomistic structures. • Magnetic properties of the multiferroic phase AF2 by (In{sup 3+}, Na{sup +})-doping. • Magnetic phase transitions.