Multifunctional nanocrystalline CeCrO₃: antiferromagnetic, relaxor, and optical properties

Abstract

Nanocrystalline phase pure CeCrO₃ was synthesized by a two-step synthesis. The compound was investigated by a host of characterization techniques such as X-ray diffraction, high-temperature X-ray diffraction, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, thermogravimetric−differential thermal analysis, magnetic and specific heat capacity data, ac impedance spectroscopy, diffuse reflectance DR UV−visible spectrophotometer, and dynamic light scattering. The magnetic structure of CeCrO₃ was established using variable-temperature neutron diffraction data. On the basis of the detailed studies, this compound was found to exhibit multifunctionalities such as antiferromagnetism, relaxor behavior, and an optical band gap in the visible region. This newly developed synthesis route opens the immense possibilities of preparation of the hitherto unknown Ce³⁺-based mixed oxides, analogous to other rare earth (RE³⁺) counterparts.