The absence of ferroelectric polarization in layered and rock-salt ordered NaLnMnWO(6) (Ln = La, Nd, Tb) perovskites

Abstract

The ordered perovskites, NaLnMnWO(6) (Ln = La, Nd, Tb), are reported to exhibit simultaneous ordering of A-site cations (Na and Ln) in layered arrangement and B-site cations (Mn and W) in rock salt structure. They have been shown to crystallize in a monoclinic structure with the polar space group P2(1). Based on density functional calculations and group theoretical analysis, it has recently been proposed that NaLaMnWO6 should be ferroelectric with a relatively large polarization (16 mu C cm(-2)). Contrary to this prediction, our electrical measurements such as conventional P-E loop, Positive-Up and Negative-Down (PUND), piezoelectric response and Second Harmonic Generation (SHG) reveal the absence of ferroelectric polarization in NaLnMnWO(6) (Ln = La, Nd, Tb). A dielectric anomaly is observed just below room temperature (similar to 270 K) for all the three compounds, which is related to the change in conductivity as revealed by temperature dependent ac and dc resistivity. A pyrocurrent peak is also observed at the same temperature. However, its origin cannot be attributed to a ferroelectric transition.