Structural, Vibrational, and Magnetic Characterization of Orthoferrite LaFeO₃ Ceramic Prepared by Reaction Flash...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Solid State Chemistry
• Ceramics

Background:

• LaFeO3 perovskites are of interest for various applications.
• Efficient synthesis methods are crucial for material properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize LaFeO3 perovskite ceramics using a reaction flash technique.
• To characterize the structural, thermal, and magnetic properties of the synthesized material.

Main Methods:

• Reaction flash technique using Fe2O3 and La2O3 precursors.
• X-ray diffraction (XRD) for phase confirmation.
• Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for microstructure analysis.
• Differential thermal analysis (DTA) for phase transitions and Néel temperature determination.
• Mössbauer spectroscopy for site occupancy analysis.
• Magnetic measurements for magnetic characterization.

Main Results:

• LaFeO3 formation confirmed by XRD.
• Microporous structure observed via SEM due to rapid synthesis (10 min at 1173 K).
• Orthorhombic-rhombohedral phase transition observed around 1273 K via DTA.
• Néel temperature determined to be 742 K.
• Mössbauer spectra indicated Fe+3 ions in a single sextet, likely in a tetrahedral site.
• Room temperature magnetic measurements revealed antiferromagnetic behavior.

Conclusions:

• The reaction flash technique is effective for rapid synthesis of LaFeO3 perovskite ceramics.
• The synthesized LaFeO3 exhibits characteristic structural, thermal, and magnetic properties, including an antiferromagnetic nature.