Inverse magnetocaloric effect and magneto electric coupling near room temperature in nanoparticles of Y2FeCrO6 double perovskite

We have opted auto combustion method to prepare single phase nanoparticles of Y2FeCrO6 double perovskite. From the structural studies, we found that at room temperature the sample forms an orthorhombic structure with the Pnma space group. The nanoparticle formation of the sample is confirmed by the Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy/Transmission Electron Microscopy measurements with an average particle size of 67 nm. Magnetization vs temperature measurements at different applied fields in this sample indicate that the Néel temperature is above 300 K. This material also shows negative magnetization up to a maximum applied field of 3 kOe with a maximum compensation temperature of 192 K. A brief study on the magnetocaloric effect and dielectric properties has been reported. Magnetic entropy change is observed in the wide temperature range including close to room temperature and its magnitude is quite small, i.e., with a maximum value of 0.08 J/kg K. In addition, the presence of inverse as well as normal magnetocaloric effect near compensation temperature has been observed. A magneto-electric coupling around 327 K has been observed and is confirmed by the brief study on dielectric and impedance spectroscopy.