One-step synthesis of yttrium orthoferrite nanocrystals via sol-gel auto-combustion and their structural and magnetic characteristics

► Pure orthorhombic YFeO3 nanocrystals were one-step synthesized via autocombustion. ► Oxidation degree plays a crucial role beside well-chelating of cations in sol-gels. ► Enhanced distortion of perovskite structure causes a remarkable RT magnetization.