ArXiv · 2026
High-entropy spinel oxides provide an excellent platform for investigating entropy-stabilized correlated systems with strong configurational disorder. In this work, we systematically study the temperature evolution of the structural and magnetic properties of Cr-based high-entropy spinels with compositions (Mn_(0.2)Co_(0.2)Ni_(0.2)Cu_(0.2)Zn_(0.2))Cr₂O₄ and (Mg_(0.2)Co_(0.2)Ni_(0.2)Cu_(0.2)Zn_(0.2))Cr₂O₄. Our results reveal that both systems crystallize in cubic structure with space group textit{Fd3̄m} at room temperature. Each system undergoes antiferromagnetic ordering below the Néel temperatures T_N = 49 K and 35 K, respectively. Neutron diffraction measurements confirm the emergence of long-range magnetic order with spiral spin arrangement. Both systems exhibit a structural phase transition from cubic textit{Fd3̄m} to orthorhombic Fddd symmetry at approximately 55 K and 85 K, respectively. Notably, despite the significant chemical disorder at the A site, both systems undergo transitions analogous to those observed in low entropy spinel systems. This behavior suggests that high configurational entropy may promote global structural stabilization despite local chemical disorder, thereby preserving long-range orderings and the characteristic symmetry-breaking transitions of the pristine spinel systems.
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