Abstract. Determination of space symmetry lowering at ferroelectric transitions in combination with high sensitivity to changes in spin arrangements in magnetically ordered materials makes neutron diffraction among the major tools in the research on magnetoelectric effects in solid state. First, we introduce the notion of magnetoelectric effects and multiferroics and the classification in the field. Then, we outline the possibility to identify candidate magnetoelectric multiferroics based primarily on considerations of symmetry and the knowledge of the magnetic structure. Subsequently, we summarize our research on such single phase materials. The systems studied were perovskites from the Bi-based feroxides and manganites, colossal magnetoreresistive oxides, double perovskites Ba₂FeSbO₆ and Ba₂CoSbO₆, mixed oxides YFe_xCr_1-xO₃ and other materials like Y-type hexaferrites.

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