Investigation of the Ferroelectric, Magnetic and Magnetoelectric Properties in Honeycomb-Layered YCrTeO₆

Honeycomb-layered YCrTeO₆ is synthesized from the stoichiometric metal oxides Y₂O₃, Cr₂O₃ and TeO₂ at 1223 K by employing the solid-state reaction method. Phase analysis of the x-ray diffraction pattern revealed a hexagonal structure with space group \({\text{P}}\overline{3}\). Temperature-dependent magnetization curve of the single-phase YCrTeO₆ indicates its paramagnetic nature down to 10 K; however, hysteresis loop at room temperature shows weak antiferromagnetism in pure YCrTeO₆ phase. Secondary phase YCrO₃ crystallized because of Te volatilization during annealing of the phase-pure material at 1323 K. Two magnetic transitions were noticed in the annealed YCrTeO₆, one at 142.08 due to the YCrO₃ phase, and another at a low-temperature transition of 13.28 K. Interestingly, the presence of room-temperature antiferromagnetism, ferroelectricity and magnetoelectric coupling, arising as a result of the frustrated crystal lattice in the single phase YCrTeO₆ makes it a potential candidate for magnetoelectric devices.