Magnetic characterization of the LaNi1-xSbxO3 (0<=x<=1/3) perovskite-like system

The magnetic characterization of the LaNi1-xSbxO3 (0 less than or equal 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 partial substitution of Ni3+ by Sb5+ cations with the concomitant partial reduction of Ni3+ to Ni2+. Formally, for x=0 only Ni3+ is present, whereas for x=1/3 Ni cations are stabilized as Ni2+. Magnetic susceptibility measurements show that a transition from a Pauli paramagnetic behaviour (x=0.05) to complex magnetic interactions takes place in this system. The nature of such interactions is interpreted as antiferromagnetic with an important canting of the spin arrangement, giving rise to a noticeable ferromagnetic component. These results have been qualitatively confirmed using the EPR technique.