Structural, Thermoelectric, and Magnetic Properties of A-Site Pr Substitution on Lanthanum-Based La2FeCrO6 Double Perovskite
摘要
La2−xPrxFeCrO6 oxides were synthesized via the sol–gel route, exhibiting a cubic Fm-3m structure. Pr substitution influenced the thermoelectric and magnetic properties. Increased Pr content enhanced the conductivity and power factor at elevated temperatures, indicating p-type semiconducting behavior and nearest-neighbor hopping. Thermal conductivity decreased with temperature, suggesting phonon–phonon scattering. LaPrFeCrO6 achieved a maximum figure of merit (ZT) of ~0.38 at 1151 K. Magnetic analysis revealed ferrimagnetism transitioning to antiferromagnetism with temperature and composition, attributed to competing Fe/Cr exchange interactions. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) confirmed mixed Fe/Cr oxidation states, suggesting a small polaron hopping mechanism for electrical transport. The observed spin glass-like behavior and Griffiths-like phase highlight the complex magnetic interactions within this Pr-doped perovskite.