Structural, magnetic and magnetocaloric studies of La2CoMnO6 double perovskite

Abstract

The double perovskite material La₂CoMnO₆ was synthesized using the sol-gel method. Its structural characteristics were analyzed through X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), with Rietveld refinement confirming that the sample crystallizes in a monoclinic structure within the P2₁/n space group. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) images revealed a non-uniform, slightly porous, and agglomerated structure, while elemental composition was determined through EDAX analysis. Magnetic studies indicated a frustrated magnetic ground state with competing interactions, along with a para-to-ferro magnetic transition at a Curie temperature (TC) of 209 K. Analysis using Arrott’s plot confirmed that the magnetic transition in La₂CoMnO₆ is of second order. Magnetocaloric studies showed that the ΔSM(T) curve remains nearly stable over the investigated temperature range, demonstrating a broadened entropy profile, which positions this material as a promising candidate for magnetic cooling applications.