Nuclear and Magnetic Structure Analysis of a Novel Perovskite Nickelate

Perovskite nickelates, with general formula A3+NiO3, are of considerable interest due to their electronic and magnetic features, which are closely tied to their structural parameters as the A3+ cation is varied (A3+ = Ln, Tl or Bi). Using high pressure synthesis, we find that we can make a novel nickelate perovskite, InNiO3. This new nickelate expands the series significantly, as In3+ is now the smallest cation in the series. We require neutron diffraction data in order to adequately analyse both nuclear and magnetic structure, as accurate determination of the oxygen positions is essential to fully understand the material and the magnetic properties of InNiO3 appear to be markedly different to other A3+NiO3 perovskites in the series. Neutron diffraction will provide a key insight into the fundamental properties of InNiO3, in the broader context of the A3+NiO3 series as a whole.