Preparation and characterisation of pure and neodymium doped samarium strontium cobaltites

Abstract

Pristine and Neodymium doped Samarium Strontium Cobaltite (SSC) were synthesised by Pechini method. The thermal characteristics of the sample were studied using thermogravimetric and differential thermal analysis. The samples were calcined at 1000 °C for four hours. XRD studies were carried out and the phase formation was confirmed to be orthorhombic. The crystallite size calculated using Scherrer equation was found to be in the range of 65 to 73 nm. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis was done and the functional groups were identified. The metal oxygen bond characteristic of the perovskite structure was found confirming the perovskite structure formation. From the SEM studies, the the particles were found to be agglomerated. The magnetic properties studied using vibrating sample magnetometer show the transition from paramagnetic to ferromagnetic nature.

Keywords:

• Samarium strontium cobaltite
• perovskite structure
• surface morphology
• ferromagnetism

Acknowledgment

The author K. Vishista acknowledges University Grants Commission (UGC) [grant number: 42-900/2013(SR)], New Delhi, for providing financial assistance under Major Research Project (MRP).