Magnetodielectric behavior in La2CoMnO6 nanoparticles

We have investigated magnetic, dielectric and magnetodielectric properties of La2CoMnO6 nanoparticles prepared by sol-gel method. Magnetization measurements revealed two distinct ferromagnetic transitions at 218 K and 135 K that can be assigned to ordered and disordered magnetic phases of the La2CoMnO6 nanoparticles. Two dielectric relaxations culminating around the magnetic transitions were observed with a maximum magnetodielectric response reaching 10% and 8% at the respective relaxation peaks measured at 100 kHz under 5 T magnetic field. The dc electrical resistivity followed an insulating behavior and showed a negative magnetoresistance; there was no noticeable anomaly in resistivity or magnetoresistance near the magnetic ordering temperatures. Complex impedance analysis revealed a clear intrinsic contribution to the magnetodielectric response; however, extrinsic contribution due to Maxwell-Wagner effect combined with magnetoresistance property dominated the magnetodielectric effect at high temperatures. (C) 2012 American Institute of Physics. [doi:10.1063/1.3673862]