Synthesis, crystal structure, and magnetic properties of MnCr2S4 spinel

Abstract

A detailed study of the preparation of poly and single crystals of the MnCr2S4 ternary spinel and their structural and magnetic characterisation are reported. X-ray diffraction data for the polycrystals show a nearly stoichiometric chemical composition and a normal spinel structure of the main phase with an additional reflection (1%) of the minor phase MnS. From the temperature dependence of susceptibility measured in field-cooled (FC) and zero-field cooled (ZFC) sequences, the Curie temperature of TC = 65 K is determined; it coresponds to a transition from the paramagnetic to ferrimagnetically ordered state. The second magnetic transition is detected at TYK = 5 K; it coresponds to a transition from a coliniar to triangular spin configuration of the Yafet–Kittel type.