Key Takeaways & Executive Findings
- •• Ni doping at A-site (Sm1−xNixCrO3) significantly enhances low-temperature magnetic properties, with Sm0.80Ni0.20CrO3 showing up to 93.5% increase in field-cooling magnetization at 100 Oe. • A-site Ni doping outperforms B-site doping at equivalent ratios, yielding higher magnetization, lower dielectric loss, and improved electrical quality factors. • All Ni-doped ceramics retain orthorhombic Pbnm structure, and Ni ions exist as Ni2+ as confirmed by XPS. • The study provides a structure-activity relationship for optimizing magnetic and dielectric properties in SmCrO3-based ceramics for potential applications in electronic and spintronic devices.
Abstract
Doping small amounts at the A-site or B-site of SmCrO3 ceramics is a promising approach for modifying their microstructure, as well as their magnetic and dielectric properties. In this study, polycrystalline ceramics of Sm1−xNixCrO3 (x = 0, 0.05, and 0.20) and SmCr1−yNiyO3 (y = 0.05 and 0.20) were synthesized via a conventional solid-state reaction. X-ray diffraction validated that all the doped ceramics maintained an orthorhombic crystalline structure consistent with the Pbnm space group. Furthermore, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy demonstrated the presence of Ni2+ ions in the doped specimens. Notably, doping resulted in significant enhancement of low-temperature magnetic properties, particularly in samples doped at the A-site, such as Sm0.80Ni0.20CrO3. Compared with the pristine sample, the maximum magnetization of Sm0.80Ni0.20CrO3 increased by approximately 60.9% and 93.5% in the zero-field cooling and field-cooling modes, respectively, in an external magnetic field of 100 Oe. Furthermore, the dielectric constants of the Ni-doped ceramics initially exceeded that of the pristine sample as the temperature increased. At equivalent doping ratios, A-site doping demonstrated superior performance over B-site doping, including higher magnetization, lower dielectric loss, and enhanced electrical quality factors.
1. Introduction
Perovskite-like composite oxides (ABO3) represent a distinct class of inorganic nonmetal materials that are recognized for their unique physical and chemical attributes. In this structure, the A-site is predominantly occupied by ions from rare earth or alkaline earth elements, whereas the B-site is typically occupied by transition metal ions. Additionally, ions at both the A- and B-sites can be partially replaced by other metal ions that have similar ionic radii, facilitating in maintaining the stability of the crystal structure [1–3].
Perovskite composite oxides are characterized by their unique crystalline structures that contribute to a range of exceptional physical and chemical properties attributed to defects and doping. Perovskites have garnered significant attention in contemporary scientific research owing to their crystal lattice stability, unique electromagnetic properties, effective light absorption capabilities, and high reactivity in processes such as oxidation-reduction, hydrogenolysis, isomerization, and electrocatalysis [4–6].
Samarium orthochromite (SmCrO3) has attracted significant attention owing to its distinctive antiferromagnetic and dielectric characteristics. A transition from paramagnetic to canted antiferromagnetic behavior occurs at approximately 197 K, attributed to the ordering of Cr3+ spins [7–10]. Furthermore, as the temperature decreases, a spontaneous reorientation of the magnetic structure occurs at approximately 34 K, where Cr3+ spins transition from one preferred orientation to another [11–12]. Below the Néel temperature (TN), the magnetic structure of SmCrO3 transitions from paramagnetic to G-type antiferromagnetic, indicating its potential as a functional material for storage applications [13]. In addition, SmCrO3 exhibits dielectric properties consistent with Debye-type dielectric relaxation. The frequency-dependent dielectric properties of perovskite oxides are critical for optimizing the performance of devices such as electronics, optoelectronics, energy storage systems, and sensors [14–18].
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Wenjie Huang, Rui Li, Ruoxuan Zhang, Yimin Cui, Rongming Wang (2025). Controllable synthesis and structure-activity relationship of Ni doping in SmCrO3 for improved magnetic and dielectric properties. Int. Journal of Minerals, Metallurgy and Materials (矿物冶金与材料学报). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12613-025-3099-5
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the effect of Ni doping on the magnetic properties of SmCrO3?
Ni doping, especially at the A-site, significantly enhances low-temperature magnetic properties. For example, Sm0.80Ni0.20CrO3 shows up to 93.5% increase in field-cooling magnetization at 100 Oe compared to pristine SmCrO3.
How does A-site doping compare to B-site doping in SmCrO3?
At equivalent doping ratios, A-site doping (Sm1−xNixCrO3) demonstrates superior performance over B-site doping (SmCr1−yNiyO3), including higher magnetization, lower dielectric loss, and enhanced electrical quality factors.
What crystal structure do Ni-doped SmCrO3 ceramics maintain?
All Ni-doped ceramics maintain an orthorhombic crystalline structure consistent with the Pbnm space group, as confirmed by X-ray diffraction.
What is the significance of this study for practical applications?
The study provides a structure-activity relationship for optimizing magnetic and dielectric properties in SmCrO3-based ceramics, which is crucial for developing advanced materials for electronic, spintronic, and energy storage devices.
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