Crystal chemistry and magnetic properties of SeCu1-xZnxO3 (0-<= x <= 1) perovskites

Abstract

The effects of zinc substitution in the structural and magnetic properties of the orthorhombic solid solution SeCu1-xZnxO3 have been studied. Rietveld refinements of the X-ray diffraction patterns indicate that the zinc ions occupy the copper sites. This replacement induces some changes in the Cu-O bond lengths and [Cu-O-Cu] bond angles. Magnetization vs temperature measurements show a fast decrease in the Weiss constant that reveals a direct quadratic relationship with the increase of the average [Cu-O-Cu] bond angle. Besides, the introduction of a non-magnetic cation in the B-positions in the structure of SeCu1-xZnO3 system, progressively decreases the ferromagnetic interactions. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science (USA).