Structural, magnetic, and magnetotransport properties of LaFe0.5Ni0.5O3

Abstract

The perovskite-type LaFe0.5Ni0.5O3 belonging to the rhombohedral (space group R-3c) crystal structure has been synthesized for which we have identified a magnetic transition at T1 = 8 K corresponding to the minimum observed in the derivative of temperature dependent magnetization. A bifurcation in the ZFC and FC curves is observed below T1 that suggests a frustrated magnetic behavior. The non-zero moment above T1 hints the possibility of the presence of a high-temperature magnetic transition in the material. The resistivity of LaFe0.5Ni0.5O3 evolves as a function of temperature similar to that of a semiconductor. Mott's variable range hopping governs the conduction mechanism of the material. Presence of various anisotropy terms and inhomogeneous magnetic interactions lead to the presence of antiferromagnetic and ferromagnetic interfaces, which eventually causes a magnetic exchange bias and magnetic hysteresis in resistivity. We have also observed direction dependent magnetoresistance in the material.