Abstract
A detailed powder neutron diffraction study of Bi0.7Nd0.3FeO3 shows it is a Gz-type antiferromagnet adopting the space group Pn′ma′. Detailed structural analysis using both Rietveld and symmetry mode analysis indicates that competition between geometric effects and magnetic superexchange results in unusual evolution of octahedral tilting and structural distortion on cooling. These changes are manifested in both the electrical response, which displays relaxor-type behaviour, and also in a region of negative thermal expansion below 200 K.
- This article is part of the themed collection: Advances in Solid State Chemistry and its Applications