Optimizing phase formation of CMR perovskite La₀.₆₇Sr₀.₃₃MnO₃ through grinding time

Abstract The structure and magnetic characteristics of La₀.₆₇Sr₀.₃₃MnO₃ (LSMO) materials were investigated to evaluate the impact of two mechanical grinding times (MGT) on phase formation. The first type of mechanical grinding is soft grinding via ball milling, while the other is hard grinding through disc milling, with varying grinding durations for each method. The dominant phase of strontium-doped lanthanum manganite, exhibiting colossal magneto-resistance and a hexagonal structure, R 3c space group, was produced via solid-state reaction at 900 °C for 6 h, employing both soft and hard mechanical grinding techniques. Hard grinding yielded the pure phase after 5 min at MGT/200°C, whereas soft grinding required 120 min to achieve the same result. The grain size of the prepared sample was determined to be around 100–180 nm by XRD, with SEM/EDX analysis confirming the morphological and compositional purity of the synthesized phase. By regulating the grain size of the produced samples, subsequent research will focus on utilizing LSMO as an active layer in manufacturing perovskite solar-cell devices.