Single crystal growth and structural, magnetic, and magnetoelectric properties in spin-frustrated bow-tie lattice of α-Cu5O2(SeO3)2Cl2

Abstract

Single crystals of α-Cu₅O₂(SeO₃)₂Cl₂ are successfully prepared by the chemical vapor transport method, and their structural, magnetic, thermal, and dielectric properties are investigated as a function of temperature and magnetic field. Magnetization and specific heat measurements indicate a long-range antiferromagnetic transition at T_N = 32 K. The spin ordering with a propagation vector q = (1/2 0 0) below T_N is determined from the neutron diffraction patterns. The dielectric data reveal an anomaly near T_N. Magnetic field-dependent dielectric measurements below T_N = 32 K suggest a notable magnetodielectric effect with the scaling of magnetodielectric ∝ M². Additionally, two more dielectric and associated specific heat anomalies are noticed above T_N, collaborating with the synchrotron x-ray diffraction studies. These studies provide evidence that the bow-tie lattice of α-Cu₅O₂(SeO₃)₂Cl₂ is a new magnetoelectric material.