ABSTRACT This study presents a systematic investigation of the magnetic and structural properties of cerium‐doped barium zirconate (BaZr 1 − x Ce x O 3 , x = 0.005–0.04) perovskites synthesized by a microwave‐assisted hydrothermal route. X‐ray diffraction confirmed a dominant cubic perovskite phase, while Williamson–Hall analysis revealed dopant‐induced microstrain. Field‐emission scanning electron microscopy revealed a well‐defined decaoctahedral morphology. Thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry demonstrated high thermal stability and revealed endothermic events associated with defect‐related structural rearrangements. Electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy was employed to elucidate the evolution of the magnetic response attributed to oxygen vacancies. Upon cerium incorporation, systematic shifts in resonance field and linewidth reveal the development of defect‐mediated magnetic coupling. Additional spectral features, such as F + ‐center‐related signals and a non‐monotonic doping dependence, point to the influence of cerium clustering and Ce 3 + /Ce 4 + valence fluctuations. These findings establish a direct correlation between defect chemistry, lattice strain, and magnetic behavior in BaZrO 3 ‐based perovskites, providing a pathway to engineer tunable magnetic functionalities through controlled rare‐earth doping.
Mesquita et al. (Wed,) studied this question.