Effect of Yttrium substitution on the structural and magnetic properties of GdCrO3

We report the preparation of single phase samples of Gd1−xYxCrO3 (x = 0-0.30) compounds using the sol-gel method. Analysis of X-ray diffraction patterns shows a systematic decrease in lattice parameters a, c and volume of the unit cell with increase in Y concentration. Raman spectra recorded at room temperature shows a systematic shift of various modes towards higher wave number suggesting the presence of lattice distortion. The temperature variation of magnetization measurements show the presence of magnetization reversal and the magnetic compensation temperature is found to decrease upon Y doping. The origin of magnetization reversal is explained by considering competition between the paramagnetic moment of Gd3+ ions under the influence of negative internal field and the weak ferromagnetic component of Cr3+ ions due to canted antiferromagnetic ordering.