Sol–gel combustion synthesis and antiferromagnetic properties of orthorhombic perovskite-type MFeO3:R3+ (M=La, Gd; R=Eu, Er, Ho) nanocrystalline powders

The MFeO3: R3+ (M ​= ​La, Gd; R ​= ​Eu, Er, Ho) nanocrystalline powders were successfully synthesized by the sol–gel combustion method using glycine-based gel at a low ignition temperature. The as-burnt products present honeycomb-like structure with many irregular continuous pores due to the releasing of a large amount of gas during the combustion reaction process. The lattice parameters and cell volumes of MFeO3:R3+ (M ​= ​La, Gd; R ​= ​Eu, Er, Ho) nanocrystalline powders are compared in detail. The magnetic properties of all the samples were studied systematically. The results show that the doping of rare-earth ions enhanced greatly the coercivity of GdFeO3 and LaFeO3 as a result of the enhancement of magnetic anisotropy. The influence of doped rare-earth ions on the magnetic properties was summarized. The distinction of magnetism of MFeO3:R3+ (M ​= ​La, Gd; R ​= ​Eu, Er, Ho) were explained in detail by the intrinsic magnetism of doped rare-earth ions. This work is significant for the application of rare-earth elements in other magnetic materials. Schematic diagram of outermost electron distribution of La3+, Gd3+, Eu3+, Er3+, Ho3+ for explaining clearly the magnetic results of composites. [Display omitted] •Glycine-based gel was successfully applied in the preparation of rare-earth ferrites.•MFeO3: R3+ nanopowders with honeycomb-like structure were obtained.•The lattice parameters and cell volumes are compared in detail.•The influence of doped rare-earth ions on the magnetic properties was investigated.•The magnetic distinction was explained by the intrinsic magnetism of doped ions.