Crystal structure, phase transitions, and magnetic properties of iridium perovskites Sr2MIrO6 (M = Ni, Zn).

Double perovskites containing Ir(6+)/Ir(5+) with formula Sr2MIrO6 (M = Ni, Zn) have been synthesized under high oxygen pressure conditions. Their crystal structures have been studied by X-ray and neutron powder diffraction at room temperature (RT) and 2 K. At RT, these oxides crystallize in the monoclinic space group P2(1)/n with unit-cell parameters a ≈ √2a0, b ≈ √2a0, and c ≈ 2a0, and β ≈ 90°. The thermal evolution of the structure of the Ni-containing compound shows the presence of two phase transition in the 373-673 K interval following the sequence P2(1)/n → I4/m → Fm3m. These materials have also been characterized by magnetic measurements, suggesting the onset of antiferromagnetic interactions at T(N) = 58 and 46 K, for M = Ni, Zn, respectively. X-ray absorption spectroscopy sheds light on the oxidation states of M and Ir ions within these double perovskites.