Observation of Nd ordering in a novel double perovskite Nd<inf>2</inf>MgRuO<inf>6</inf> with weak exchange interaction at B-site

Polycrystalline Nd2MgRuO6 has monoclinic P21/n structure with an ordered arrangement of Mg2+ and Ru4+ ions. Magnetic ordering is observed at 1.5 K where the Ru sublattice exhibits type-I antiferromagnetic order with the magnetic moments parallel to the c-axis. The Nd3+ cations show a ferromagnetic arrangement at this temperature. Nd2MgRuO6 exhibits semiconductor like behaviour. Impedance analysis shows the contribution of grain alone to the conduction process till 231 K, above which both the grain and grain boundary contribute.