MAGNETIC CHARACTERIZATION OF THE LANI1-XSBXO3 (0-LESS-THAN-OR-EQUAL-TO-X-LESS-THAN-OR-EQUAL-TO-1 3) PEROVSKITE-LIKE SYSTEM/

The magnetic characterization of the LaNi1-xSbxO3 (0 less than or equa l to x less than or equal to 1/3) perovskite-like system is reported. These compounds can be regarded as being derived from LaNiO3 by partia l substitution of Ni3+ by Sb5+ cations with the concomitant partial re duction of Ni3+ to Ni2+. Formally, for x=0 only Ni3+ is present, where as for x=1/3 Ni cations are stabilized as Ni2+. Magnetic susceptibilit y measurements show that a transition from a Pauli paramagnetic behavi our (x=0.05) to complex magnetic interactions takes place in this syst em. The nature of such interactions is interpreted as antiferromagneti c with an important canting of the spin arrangement, giving rise to a noticeable ferromagnetic component. These results have been qualitativ ely confirmed using the EPR technique.