Synthesis, structure and magnetic properties of La{sub 3}Co{sub 2}SbO{sub 9}: A double perovskite with competing antiferromagnetic and ferromagnetic interactions

The synthesis, structural characterization, and magnetic properties of La{sub 3}Co{sub 2}SbO{sub 9} double perovskite are reported. The crystal structure has been refined by X-ray and neutron powder diffraction data in the monoclinic space group P2{sub 1}/n. Co{sup 2+} and Sb{sup 5+} have the maximum order allowed for the La{sub 3}Co{sub 2}SbO{sub 9} stoichiometry. Rietveld refinements of powder neutron diffraction data show that at room temperature the cell parameters are a=5.6274(2) A, b=5.6842(2) A, c=7.9748(2) A and {beta}=89.999(3) Degree-Sign . Magnetization measurements indicate the presence of ferromagnetic correlations with T{sub C}=55 K attributed to the exchange interactions for non-linear Co{sup 2+}-O-Sb{sup 5+}-O-Co{sup 2+} paths. The effective magnetic moment obtained experimentally is {mu}{sub exp}=4.38 {mu}{sub B} (per mol Co{sup 2+}), between the theoretical one for spin only (3.87 {mu}{sub B}) and spin-orbit value (6.63 {mu}{sub B}), indicating partially unquenched contribution. The low magnetization value at high magnetic field and low temperature (1 {mu}{sub B}/f.u., 5 T and 5 K) and the difference between ZFC and FC magnetization curves (at 5 kOe) indicate that the ferromagnetism do not reach a long range order and that the material has an important magnetic frustration. - Graphical abstract: Co-O-Co (Yellow octahedra only) rich zones (antiferromagnetic) are in contact with Co-O-Sb-O-Co (Red and yellow octahedra) rich zones (Ferromagnetic) to give the peculiar magnetic properties, as a consequence, a complex hysteresis loop can be observed composed by a main and irreversible curve in all the measured range, superimposed with a ferromagnetic component at low fields. Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer La{sub 3}Co{sub 2}SbO{sub 9} has small Goldschmidt Tolerance Factor (t) due to the small size of La{sup 3+}. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Small t determines an angle for the path Co{sup 2+}-O-Sb{sup 5+}-O-Co{sup 2+} of 153 Degree-Sign . Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Ferromagnetism is attributed to exchange interactions for Co{sup 2+}-O-Sb{sup 5+}-O-Co{sup 2+} paths. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Ferromagnetic nanoclusters are embedded in an antiferromagnetic matrix.