Structural characterization of the perovskite series Sr1−xLaxTi0.5Mn0.5O3

The perovskite-type compounds Sr1−xLaxTi0.5Mn0.5O3, x=0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4 and 0.5 have been synthesized by solid-state methods, and their room temperature structures determined using X-ray synchrotron powder diffraction. The x=0.0 end member, SrMn0.5Ti0.5O3 is cubic in space group Pm3¯m; there being no evidence for ordering of the Ti4+ and Mn4+ cations. We find that x  =0.5 compound is rhombohedral in R3¯c rather than orthorhombic as reported previously. Magnetic measurements suggest that both SrMn0.5Ti0.5O3 and Sr0.5La0.5Mn0.5Ti0.5O3 are spin-glasses.

Graphical abstractA cubic–rhombohedral phase-transition is observed cation disordered perovskites Sr1−xLaxTi0.5Mn0.5O3. Both end members are spin-glasses.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Structural studies of Sr1−xLaxTi0.5Nb0.5O3 perovskites, show lack of long range Mn:Ti order. ► Magnetic properties indicative of spin-glass behavior. ► Changes of crystal structure from cubic to rhombohedral with increasing lanthanum content.