Evolution of charge and spin state of transition metals in the LaMn1−xCoxO3 perovskite series

Charge and spin state evolution of the transition metals in the LaMn1−xCoxO3 perovskite series was studied by means of high resolution x-ray absorption and emission spectroscopy. The gradual charge transfer from Mn to Co sites was observed upon increasing Co doping. The high spin of the Mn3+∕4+ and Co2+ ions is preserved in the entire solid solution. Co3+ ions reveal low spin state at low doping, while the gradual increase of the average Co3+ spin state is observed at higher cobalt concentrations. The results plausibly explain the observed magnetization anomalies.