Investigation of chemical and grain boundary effects in highly ordered Sr2FeMoO6: XPS and Mössbauer studies

We have studied the oxidation states of Fe and Mo and the presence of grain boundaries in the magneto resistive (MR) compounds Sr2FeMoO6 by means of x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Mössbauer spectroscopy and electrical resistivity measurements. XPS of the Mo 3d and Fe 3s core levels is indicating a mixed valence state involving around 30% Fe3+- Mo5+ and 70% Fe2+- Mo6+ states. Mössbauer studies confirm the presence of a valence fluctuation state and an essential amount of grain boundaries in the present Sr2FeMoO6 crystals. Resistivities and magnetoresistance studies evidenced strong grain boundary effects.