Non-adiabatic small-polaron and 3D-Mott's variable range conductions above 100 K in Pb-substituted double-layered manganites LaSm0.4Ca1.6-xPbxMn2O7

In this study, the role of Pb substitution on the microstructural and magneto-transport properties of the double layered manganites LaSm0.4Ca1.6-xPbxMn2O7 (x = 0, 0.1 and 0.2), prepared by the solid-state reaction method, was investigated. On the samples, X-Ray Diffraction, Scanning Electron Microscopy and resistivity as a function of temperature measurements were performed. XRD measurements revealed that the samples crystallized in a tetragonal phase with an I4/mmm space group and that the lattice parameters increased with increasing Pb content. SEM measurements indicated the granular character and the average grain sizes ranged between 0.5 and 4 μm for all the samples. The temperature dependence of resistivity of all the samples shows insulating-like behavior for the studied range of temperature (T > 100 K). The maximum magnetoresistance (MR%) value was found to be 31.95% at 100 K for the sample with x = 0, while it was 11% and 8% for the samples with x = 0.1 and 0.2, respectively. The resistivity curves are found to be well described by the Adiabatic Small Polaron Model in the range and Mott's 3D Variable Range Hopping model in the range. The density of states near the Fermi level (DOS), mean hopping distance, and mean hopping energy values were computed in the range, and the role of Pb substitution on these parameters was discussed as well. •Detailed analysis of magnetotransport properties of double layered manganite LaSm0.4Ca1.6-xPbxMn2O7 (x = 0, 0.1 and 0.2).•XRD profiles revealed the Ruddlesden-popper phase in LaSm0.4Ca1.6-xPbxMn2O7 (x = 0, 0.1 and 0.2) compounds.•Adiabatic Small Polaron hopping and Mott's 3D Variable Range Hopping describe well the high temperature range resistivity.•The density of state near Fermi level N(EF), hopping distance Rh and the hopping energy Eh were estimated and discussed.