Structural characterization and physical properties of LaNi1-xMoxO3 (0.05 <= x <= 0.20) perovskites

The structural characterization and physical properties of the LaNi1-xMoxO3 (0.05 less than or equal to x less than or equal to 0.20) perovskite-like system are reported. These compounds can be regarded as being derived from LaNiO3 by partial substitution in the B sublattice of the perovskite struct ure: Ni3+ by Mo6+ with the consequent reduction of some Ni3+ to Ni2+. Rhomb ohedral (S.G. R(3) over barc) or orthorhombic (S.G. Pbnm) symmetry was foun d depending on the degree of substitution, x. Conductivity measurements show the presence of metal-to-insulator (M-I) tra nsitions in these oxides. Magnetic properties show weakly ferromagnetic (x = 0.05) to antiferromagnetic with very weak ferromagnetic canting (x = 0.20 ), respectively.