Magnetic and dielectric properties of Mn2V2O7

•An anomaly in the dielectric properties is observed at 17 K coupled with antiferromagnetic ordering.•The sample shows multiferroicity with antiferromagnetic and antiferroelectric ordering below 17 K.•Reversible switching behaviour in dielectric permittivity is observed across the structural transition close to 300 K.•The dielectric relaxation behaviour shows marked difference across the structural transition.

The magnetic and dielectric properties of the manganese di-vanadate compound Mn2V2O7 are reported. The sample shows martensitic type structural transition close to room temperature which is evident both in the magnetic and dielectric data. Mn2V2O7 shows signature of antiferromagnetic type ordering around 17 K with concomitant anomaly in the dielectric properties at the same point, although no spontaneous electric polarization was found below 17 K. This clearly signifies a magnetic order driven electric anomaly and possibly it is antiferroelectric type with no net polarization. The dielectric relaxation behaviours show marked difference across the structural transition close to room temperature. Interestingly, the sample shows reversible switching behaviour across the structural transition close to 300 K between high and low dielectric states which can have important practical applications.