Work

Sol–gel synthesis and structural-magnetic properties of Ba2-xAxFeMoO6 (A = Ag, Sm): effects of partial A-site substitution

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Double perovskite oxides are promising candidates for spintronic and magnetic applications because their magnetic properties can be effectively tailored through ionic substitution. In this work, the effects of non-magnetic Ag + and magnetic rare-earth Sm 3+ substitution at the Ba site of Ba 2 FeMoO 6 were systematically compared for the first time at the same doping level (x = 0.05). Ba 2−x A x FeMoO 6 (A = Ag, Sm; x = 0.0 and 0.05) compounds were synthesized using the sol–gel method to investigate the influence of these dopants on the structural and magnetic properties of Ba 2 FeMoO 6 . The crystal structure, morphology, chemical states, and magnetic properties were characterized using X-ray diffraction with Rietveld refinement, FE-SEM, FTIR spectroscopy, XPS, and magnetic measurements. Structural analysis confirmed that all samples crystallized in a single-phase cubic structure with the Fm-3m space group. Although Ag + and Sm 3+ substitution did not change the crystal symmetry, slight modifications in the lattice parameters, unit-cell volume, and bond lengths were observed. FE-SEM images revealed an increase in porosity after doping, while FTIR spectra indicated changes in the vibrational modes associated with the MoO 6 octahedra. XPS analysis confirmed the coexistence of Fe 2+ /Fe 3+ and Mo 5+ /Mo 6+ mixed valence states, which are essential for the double-exchange interaction. Magnetic measurements showed that both doped samples exhibited lower magnetization than the undoped compound. In contrast, Ag + substitution reduced the magnetic transition temperature, whereas Sm 3+ substitution increased it. These variations are attributed to dopant-induced structural distortions and changes in bond lengths, which modify the magnetic exchange interactions. The results provide new insights into the distinct roles of non-magnetic and magnetic dopants in tuning the structural and magnetic behavior of Ba 2 FeMoO 6 double perovskites.

Source: Journal of Sol-Gel Science and Technology

DOI: 10.1007/s10971-026-07240-x

Authors: Zahra Ghorbani, Mohammad Hossein Ehsani, Abdulkarim Amirov, Alexander Tishin

Institutions: Semnan University, National University of Science and Technology, Institute of Physics. HI Amirkhanova, Lomonosov Moscow State University

Language: English

Topic: Magnetic and transport properties of perovskites and related materials

Subfield: Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials

Field: Materials Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,990

Funders: National Science Foundation, Iran National Science Foundation, Russian Science Foundation