Composition driven structural transition in La2-xSrxCuRuO6 (0 <= x <= 1) double perovskites

We report results of detailed structural investigations on the system La2-xSrxCuRuO6 (0 <= x <= 1) as a function of composition using neutron powder diffraction. Our results reveal that this series of compounds exhibit an interesting structural transition manifested through Sr doping; with Ru in single valency, in end members, and mixed valency otherwise. The end members La2CuRuO6 and LaSrCuRuO6 crystallize in monoclinic structures with space group P2(1)/n. However, the compositions with intermediate Sr doping (x = 0.2 and 0.8) crystallize in triclinic structure with space group P-1, albeit with minute distortions. The detailed structural studies by neutron powder diffraction at room temperature and at 10 K, for compositions, x = 0.2, 0.8 and 1 are presented. While magnetic measurements are indicative of ferro and antiferromagnetic like transitions for x = 0 and x > 0 respectively, neutron diffraction patterns collected at 10 K and 30 K across the characteristic transition temperature suggested by the magnetic data, do not show any extra peaks or extra intensity at lower temperature as compared to the high temperature, thus, establishing the absence of any long-range magnetic ordering in these samples. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved