Low-temperature magnetic anomalies in orthorhombic yttrium chromite nanoparticles: indications of magnetic frustration and glassy-like behavior

Abstract

In this study, we investigate the magnetic properties of Math input error nanoparticles synthesized via the combustion reaction method. Magnetic measurements performed over a wide temperature range (4–300 K) revealed two distinct magnetic regimes across the Néel temperatureMath input error, corresponding to a smooth and continuous transition from a canted antiferromagnetic to a paramagnetic state. The hysteresis loops exhibited pronounced asymmetry with respect to both the magnetic field and magnetization axes, indicating the presence of an exchange-bias-like effect. This behavior is attributed to interfacial coupling between coexisting magnetic phases or to competing spin structures, reflecting complex nanoscale magnetic interactions. Temperature-dependent magnetic susceptibility measurements yielded a negative Curie–Weiss temperature Math input error, confirming dominant antiferromagnetic correlations. Below Math input error, a significant divergence between field-cooled (FCC) and zero-field-cooled (ZFC) susceptibilities was observed, with magnetization exhibiting different saturation levels near 3 K. Furthermore, an irreversibility between the FCC and field-cooled warming (FCW) curves was detected below Math input error, suggesting the emergence of magnetic frustration or glassy-like behavior in the nanoparticles. Arrott plot analysis indicated that the magnetic transition is of second order.