Synthesis and crystal structure of hexagonal DyMnO3

Hexagonal DyMnO3 was comparatively easily synthesized by decomposition of nitrate solution containing each constituent component with a stoichiometric ratio. The final heating for the formation of single phase needs temperature above 1623 K under argon atmosphere. A hexagonal DyMnO3 shows ferroelectricity and its crystal structure has been refined by powder X-ray diffractometry and Rietveld method. The lattice parameters are a=0.61822(2) and c=1.14527(3) nm with the space group of P63cm. The manganese atom is surrounded by five oxygen atoms in a trigonal dipyramid. The dysprosium atoms are surrounded by seven oxygen atoms. The antiferromagnetism was also observed in this compound. (orig.)