Magnetic and X-ray diffraction investigation on Mg1-xMn2+xO4 spinels

X-ray powder diffraction, electron paramagnetic resonance and static magnetisation measurements of slowly cooled Mg1-xMn2+xO4 solid solutions for 0 less than or equal to x less than or equal to 1 have been performed in order to investigate the effects of the Mg/Mn ratio on the spinel inversion. Our results prove that a small inversion degree exists at room temperature for the samples with x < 0.5 and suggest that the inversion decreases with increasing x, that is by reducing the Mg2+ content. The multi-technique approach for the definition of the correct synthetic and cooling procedures enables the formation of single-phase high purity materials. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.