Tunability of domain structure in partially inverse spinels NiAl2O4.

Re-arrangement of cationic distribution in partially inverse spinel NiAl2O4 by using chemical pressure perturbation is studied. Structural, impedance and magnetic analysis suggest presence of regions/domains inside the grain/bulk with same lattice arrangement but varying in cationic oxidation state. Perturbing the cationic distribution in the grain via low concentrations of ambivalence substituent rearranges the cationic distribution across these domains within the partially inverse spinel lattice without disturbing the crystal structure. A comprehensive explanation on the origin & tunability of cationic distribution within the partially-inverse lattice is proposed.