Investigation of the Ferroelectric, Magnetic and Magnetoelectric Properties in Honeycomb-Layered YCrTeO6

Honeycomb-layered YCrTeO6 is synthesized from the stoichiometric metal oxides Y2O3, Cr2O3 and TeO2 at 1223 K by employing the solid-state reaction method. Phase analysis of the x-ray diffraction pattern revealed a hexagonal structure with space group P3 . Temperature-dependent magnetization curve of the single-phase YCrTeO6 indicates its paramagnetic nature down to 10 K; however, hysteresis loop at room temperature shows weak antiferromagnetism in pure YCrTeO6 phase. Secondary phase YCrO3 crystallized because of Te volatilization during annealing of the phase-pure material at 1323 K. Two magnetic transitions were noticed in the annealed YCrTeO6, one at 142.08 due to the YCrO3 phase, and another at a low-temperature transition of 13.28 K. Interestingly, the presence of room-temperature antiferromagnetism, ferroelectricity and magnetoelectric coupling, arising as a result of the frustrated crystal lattice in the single phase YCrTeO6 makes it a potential candidate for magnetoelectric devices.

Automated summary

Honeycomb-layered YCrTeO6 with hexagonal structure and P3 space group is synthesized by the solid-state reaction method. The single-phase YCrTeO6 exhibits paramagnetic behavior down to 10 K and weak antiferromagnetism at room temperature. Annealing of the phase-pure material at 1323 K leads to the crystallization of a secondary phase YCrO3. The presence of room-temperature antiferromagnetism, ferroelectricity, and magnetoelectric coupling in YCrTeO6 makes it a potential candidate for magnetoelectric devices.