Specific heat of rare earth cobaltates RCoO3 (R = La, Pr and Nd)

We have reported the temperature dependence (5 K ≤ T ≤ 1000 K) of the lattice contribution to the specific heat of rhombohedral LaCoO3 and orthocobaltates RCoO3 (R = Pr and Nd). The strong electron phonon interactions are present in these compounds and lattice distortions can affect them substantially. Thus Rigid Ion Model (RIM) is used for the first time to study the cohesive and thermal properties of the cobaltates RCoO3 with rare earth cation (R = La, Pr and Nd). The values of specific heat calculated by us have shown remarkably good agreement with corresponding experimental data. In addition, the results on the temperature dependence of cohesive energy (ϕ), molecular force constant (f), Reststrahlen frequency (υ), Debye temperature (θD) and Gruneisen parameter (γ) are also reported.

► We have reported the temperature dependence (5 K ≤ T ≤ 1000 K) of the lattice contribution to the specific heat of rhombohedral LaCoO3 and orthocobaltates RCoO3 (R = Pr and Nd). ► The strong electron phonon interactions are present in these compounds and lattice distortions can affect them substantially. ► Thus Rigid Ion Model (RIM) is used for the first time to study the cohesive and thermal properties of the cobaltates RCoO3 with rare earth cation (R = La, Pr and Nd). ► The values of specific heat calculated by us have shown remarkably good agreement with corresponding experimental data. ► In addition, the results on the temperature dependence of cohesive energy (ϕ), molecular force constant (f), Reststrahlen frequency (υ), Debye temperature (θD) and Gruneisen parameter (γ) are also reported.