Role of Ag in La1-xAgxMnO3 manganite perovskite

Abstract

Electron-energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS) has been used to study the element contents of the grains in the bulk polycrystalline La 1-xAg xMnO 3 ceramic samples prepared by conventional solid-state reaction process in air. Only characterized core-shell ionization-edge EELS spectra of La, Mn, and O were observed while no spectrum of Ag was detected, indicating that Ag is not doped into manganite perovskites. However, it was found by electron spin resonance investigation that the ferromagnetic phase is enhanced with the increase of the nominal Ag composition and reaches its maximum around x=0.35 in the ferromagnetic and paramagnetic coexistence of La 1-xAg xMnO 3 systems. The unique role of Ag was ascribed to the introduction of oxygen into manganite perovskites, leading to further oxidation of manganite perovskite grains. Show more