Structural, optical and magneto-electric coupling analysis in 'Y' doped double perovskite La2NiMnO6 nanoparticles

Nanoparticles of double perovskite La2NiMnO6(LNMO) and Yttrium (Y) doped La2NiMnO6(LNMO) were synthesized via sol-gel route. XRD pattern of LNMO and 'Y' doped LNMO confirm the formation of nanocrystals and crystallize in rhombohedral crystal structure. TEM images with SAED pattern also shows the nanocrystalline nature having the particle size ranging from similar to 16 to 22 nm. Particle size estimated from TEM is in well agreement with XRD results. FTIR spectra and Raman spectra confirm the presence of well-defined bands which are typical of double perovskite structures. The P-E hysteresis loop measurements confirm the enhanced ferroelectric nature of the magnetic double perovskite LNMO-4Y nanoparticles. The variation in maximum polarization with respect to applied magnetic field confirms the evidence of strong strain mediated coupling in the samples and estimated maximum value of magneto-electric coefficient 'alpha' (33 x 10(-5) mu C/cm(2).Oe or 0.37793 mV/cm.Oe) is achieved for LNMO-4Y at 1902 Oe near room temperature.