Control of large linear magnetoelectricity in Co3NiNb2O9

Abstract Magnetoelectric (ME) materials have caught worldwide attentions owing to their potential technological applications in ME switching devices or high-density data storage. However, realizing a sufficiently strong ME effect in one single material is always the key issue. Herein, we systematically investigate the Co3NiNb2O9, including the characterization of its crystalline structure, magnetism, specific heat, and pyroelectric properties. It is revealed that Co3NiNb2O9 exhibits a remarkable ME response below the magnetic phase transition temperature of TN ∼32 K. On one hand, the magnetic field-induced electric polarization is observed below TN while it is non-ferroelectric at no magnetic field. The evaluated ME coefficient is as large as 21.2 ps/m. On the other hand, the magnetization is significantly modulated by the applied electric field, with the inverse ME coefficient being 14.1 ps/m. The observed ME responses suggest a stable ME mutual control by the magnetic or electric field in Co3NiNb2O9.