Low-temperature solution-combustion synthesis and magneto-structural characterization of polycrystalline La1–xAgyMnO3 (y ≤ x) manganites

Resumo

Silver is known to be a highly mobile (low-soluble) component in Ag-doped perovskite manganites and hence several non-perovskite phases can exist in silver doped manganite perovskites with most synthetic routes making its synthesis to be problematic. In search of soft synthesis route, the low temperature combustion synthesis and magneto-structural studies of polycrystalline La_1–xAg_yMnO₃ (y ≤ x) ceramic manganites using glycine as a fuel is reported. The sintered powders were characterized by X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDAX) analysis, Thermo Gravimetric Analysis (TGA) and Vibrating Scanning Magnetometer (VSM) measurements. XRD patterns showed formation of mainly single rhombohedral perovskite phase for the La_0.8Ag_0.15MnO₃ sample and an admixture of secondary phases with La_0.8Ag_0.1MnO₃ and La_0.8Ag_0.2MnO₃ samples. The distinct microstructure and higher magnetic properties observed for La_0.8Ag_0.15MnO₃ sample compared to the other samples were discussed based on the XRD results.