Investigation of bixbyite type scandium oxides involving a magnetic cation: Sc2−xFexO3 (0≤x≤10≤x≤1)

Presently, the crystal structure and magnetic properties of Sc2−xFexO3 samples are described for 0.0≤x≤1.00.0≤x≤1.0. The cubic bixbyite structure (space group: Ia-3) prevails for all compositions. Excellent homogeneity of the samples was confirmed by energy dispersive spectroscopy analysis performed with a Transmission Electron Microscope. The crystal structure of ScFeO3 was determined by combined refinements of powder X-ray and neutron diffraction data. The magnetic behavior is typical of a frustrated system and no long range order prevails at 9 K.

Research highlights
► This article is of interest for a better understanding of magnetic diluted Fe–O–Fe interactions.
► Even with Fe/Sc=1, the statistic distribution of cations leads to very high resistivity values.
► Sc3+: a natural ferroic cation (3d0) is of interest for discovery of new multiferroic compounds.
► Structural and physical study in the ABO3 phase diagram.