Structural and magnetic studies of La2BMnO6 (B=Ni and Co) nanoparticles prepared by microwave sintering approach

Double perovskite La2BMnO6 (B=Ni and Co) nanoparticles were successfully synthesized by microwave sintering approach (MWS). The crystal structure properties of LBMO nanoparticles were systematically investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopies (XPS). The morphological characteristic features were examined by TEM and SEM images. Magnetization measurements were carried out by employing a physical property measurement system (PPMS). Field cooled (FC) and Zero field cooled (ZFC) magnetization measurements under an applied field of 100 Oe and in the temperature range of 5-400 K were performed. The single-phase La2Ni/CoMnO6 of about 40-50 nm size was synthesized at 900 �C for 10 min, without the formation of any intermediate phase. The magnetization values obtained in the present wok show magnitudes of 42.9 emu/g and 65.4 emu/g for LNMO and LCMO, respectively. It is further noted that microwave sintered sample showed higher saturation magnetization values than the conventionally sintered samples reported in the literature and thus are promising candidate for possible spintronic applications in novel devices. 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.This publication was made possible by NPRP Grant 7-159-2-076 from the Qatar National Research Fund (a member of the Qatar Foundation). Statements made herein are solely the responsibility of the authors. We thank Prof. K.V. Siva Kumar for his valued feedback and in-depth review of this work.Scopu