Quasi-one-dimensional oxides Sr4Co3 − x MnxO9 (0 ≤ x ≤ 3): Synthesis and magnetic properties

Sr₄Co_{3 ? x} Mn _x O₉ (0.5 ≤ x ≤ 2) solid solutions (ss), which belong to the family of quasi-one-dimensional oxides A_{3n + 3m} A′_nB_{3m + n} O_{9m + 6n} (where A is an alkaline-earth element, A′ is a 3d element, B is manganese), are prepared using citrate technology. The structures of the phases are described in terms of trigonal space group P321. A full-profile Rietveld analysis shows that the oxides are incommensurate. The structure is described as consisting of two subcells with identical a parameters but different c parameters. Magnetic susceptibility measurements in the range from 2 to 300 K are interpreted on the assumption of the existence of a spin-glass state.