Flux growth and phase transitions in Ni3−xMnxBO5:Cu compound

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jallcom.2024.178297

For the first time, single crystals of Ni_3−xMn_xBO₅:Cu, measuring up to 0.4×0.4×4 mm³, have been grown using the flux technique. The flux used was based on Bi₂Mo₃O₁₂-B₂O₃; the addition of CuO served as a solvent component and promoted the growth of Ni_3−xMn_xBO₅:Cu. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) showed that the concentration of copper in the crystal, relative to the flux content was low-approximately 1:8. Subsequently, neutron diffraction, alternating current (AC) magnetization, and electron spin resonance (ESR) were performed on the Ni_3−xMn_xBO₅:Cu compound, which is classified as ludwigite-type compound. Neutron diffraction results confirmed that the Ni_3−xMn_xBO₅:Cu structure belongs to the Pbam space group. Furthermore, AC magnetization and ESR measurements identified three ferrimagnetic phase transitions occurring at 90 K, 95 K, and 150 K, as well as a canonical spin-glass transition near 50 K.