Perovskite LaPbMSbO{sub 6} (M=Co, Ni): Structural distortion, magnetic and dielectric properties
The B-site ordered double perovskite oxides LaPbMSbO{sub 6} (M=Co, Ni) have been synthesized via the modified Sol–Gel precursor two-step route. Rietveld refinements reveal strong abnormal structural distortion and BO{sub 6} octahedral deformation appearing along the ab plane. Owing to the cooperative Jahn–Teller effect of Co{sup 2+} and Pb{sup 2+} ions, the Co-related compound exhibits almost complete Co{sup 2+}–Sb{sup 5+} order. For magnetic properties, spin-canted antiferromagnetic state with high extent of magnetic frustration is confirmed. The Ni-related compound presents heavier magnetic frustration for introducing tiny disorder on site occupation accompanied with valence state and further enhancing the complexity of magnetic competition. Dielectric measurements present a considerable temperature dependent dielectric relaxation with great dc-like loss feature in the LaPbCoSbO{sub 6}. For LaPbNiSbO{sub 6}, however, the permittivity with low dielectric loss is shown to be insensitive to either temperature or frequency. The corresponding electronic active energy manifests that the weakly bounded 3d-electron is prone to hop in a more distorted Co–Sb sublattice. - Graphical abstract: XRD Rietveld refinement result of LaPbCoSbO{sub 6} presented a large BO{sub 6} octahedral distortion along the ab plane. Based upon the variations from Co–O–Sb bond angles, a fierce competition from many extended magnetic coupling routes (M–O–O–M) would induce a considerably large magnetic frustration and electron hopping restriction. - Highlights: • Highly ordered LaPbMSbO{sub 6} (M=Co, Ni) were synthesized. • Abnormal structural distortion appeared in the ab plane. • Strong magnetic frustration was confirmed via M{sup 2+}–O–O–M{sup 2+} route. • Dielectric measurements presented a large difference between Co and Ni samples. • 3d-electronic structure determines lattice distortion and physical properties.