Magnetism and electronic transport in Sr4−xLaxRu2−xMnxO9: Interplay of Mn and Ru redox chemistry

Sr 4 Ru 2 O 9 has a P6¯2C space group and differs from the Ruddelsden–Popper series of the strontium ruthenate family where Ru is distinctly present in Ru+5 state with no Jahn–Teller activity. A significant increase in magnetic moment and coercivity is observed along with lowering of resistivity, especially around a critical concentration of x=0.2 in Sr4−xLaxRu2−xMnxO9. Such an unusual effect is correlated to the mixed magnetic pair effect arising out from the variable oxidation states of Ru as suggested by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopic studies. Our results substantiate the long-range ferromagnetism observed for Ruthenium-substituted three-dimensional manganites.