Increase of Cr solubility in cubic Sr2FexCr2−xO6−y unit cell using sol–gel assisted synthesis and characterizations of Sr2FeCrO6−y phase

Abstract

A cubic Sr₂FeCrO_6−y phase, for which no crystallographic data has been previously reported, was synthesized through sol–gel assisted method for the first time. EDTA and chitosan were used as chelating agents. Calcining and subsequent argon-annealing techniques were used. Analysis of the product by SQUID magnetometry showed that the material exhibited possible spin-glass transition or superparamagnetic behaviour below 50 K. The control of phase formation of the Sr₂Fe_xCr_2−xO_6−y (SFCO) system has been improved and the mechanisms of phase formation were better understood. With further investigations, it is hoped that SFCO series materials will be utilized in the manufacturing of electronic devices, fuel cells and other engineering areas.