The non-stoichiometric double perovskite oxide La2Ni1.19Os0.81O6 was synthesized by solid state reaction and its crystal and magnetic structures were investigated by powder x-ray and neutron diffraction. La2Ni1.19Os0.81O6 crystallizes in the monoclinic double perovskite structure (general formula A2BBO6) with space group P21/n, where the B site is fully occupied by Ni and the B site by 19 % Ni and 81 % Os atoms. Using x-ray absorption spectroscopy an Os4.5+ oxidation state was established, suggesting presence of about 50 % paramagnetic Os5+ (5d3, S = 3/2) and 50 % non-magnetic Os4+ (5d4, Jeff = 0) ions at the B sites. Magnetization and neutron diffraction measurements on La2Ni1.19Os0.81O6 provide evidence for a ferrimagnetic transition at 125 K. The analysis of the neutron data suggests a canted ferrimagnetic spin structure with collinear Ni2+ spin chains extending along the c axis but a non-collinear spin alignment within the ab plane. The magnetization curve of La2Ni1.19Os0.81O6 features a hysteresis with a very high coercive field, HC = 41 kOe, at T = 5 K, which is explained in terms of large magnetocrystalline anisotropy due to the presence of Os ions together with atomic disorder. Our results are encouraging to search for rare earth free hard magnets in the class of double perovskite oxides.
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