Spin glass and complex magnetism in a high-entropy spinel oxide with five cations at both tetrahedral and octahedral sites

Abstract

We report the stabilization and investigation of a hitherto unexplored high-entropy spinel oxide with the composition (Mg0.2Co0.2Ni0.2Cu0.2Zn0.2)(Cr0.4Mn0.4Fe0.4Al0.4Ga0.4)O4, representing the spinel compound with five distinct elements at both the tetrahedral and octahedral sites in the spinel structure. Detailed structural characterization using x-ray diffraction (and scanning electron microscopy) confirms the cubic crystal structure, while DC magnetic and AC susceptibility measurements reveal complex magnetic behavior below 150 K and spin glass state at 37 K. AC susceptibility measurements along with zero-field-cooled and field-cooled memory effect and aging effect confirm the spin glass state of the material. The power law and Vogel–Fulcher analyses confirm this material's cluster spin glass state. This work highlights the potential of entropy-driven design in tailoring multifunctional materials for advanced applications.