Spin Reorientation and Antiferromagnetic Ordering in Eco-Synthesized Samarium Orthoferrite Nanocrystals

Multiferroic nanocrystals of samarium orthoferrite (SmFeO3) were successfully synthesized using green nanotechnology method paving way for an eco-friendly approach to obtain high quality functional materials. The magnetic transitions and domain evolution exhibited by these nanocrystals makes them excellent candidates for magneto-thermal sensors, spin-based components and magnetic switching elements in multifunctional devices. Structural and magnetic characterization revealed the formation of nanocrystalline SmFeO3, showcasing distinct ferroic behavior resulting from the interaction of the Sm3+ and Fe3+ sublattices. At higher temperatures, two anomalies were observed. The first occurs at the spin-reorientation transition temperature of 490 K, marking reorientation of the Fe3+ spin axis as a result of competing magnetic interactions. The second anomaly at Neel temperature around 670 K corresponds to the antiferromagnetic to paramagnetic transition, which demonstrates the thermal stability of magnetic ordering in the synthesized nanocrystals. The magnetization curves displayed the transformation in hysteresis shape with respect to temperature.