Cationic ordering control of magnetization in Sr2FeMoO6 double perovskite

The role of the synthesis conditions on the cationic Fe/Mo ordering in Sr2FeMoO6 double perovskite is addressed. It is shown that this ordering can be controlled and varied systematically. The Fe/Mo ordering has a profound impact on the saturation magnetization of the material. Using the appropriate synthesis protocol a value of 3.7 mu (B) has been obtained. Mossbauer analysis reveals the existence of two distinguishable Fe sites and a charge density at the Fem+ ions significantly larger than 3d(5) suggesting a Fe contribution to the spin-down conduction band. The implications of these findings for the synthesis of Sr2FeMoO6 having optimal magnetoresistance response are discussed. (C) 2001 American Institute of Physics.