Superstructure and magnetic properties of R15X9C compounds (R = rare earth; X = Si and Ge)

We report the synthesis of the new compounds R₁₅Si₉C with R = Sm, Gd-Er, Y and R₁₅Ge₉C with R = Ce, Pr and Nd. These compounds crystallize in the hexagonal La₁₅Ge₉Fe structure type (hP50, P6₃mc, Z = 2) which is an ordered superstructure of La₅Ge₃ (Mn₅Si₃-type, hP16, P6₃/mcm, Z = 2). The superstructure is absent in a single-phase R₅Ge₃C_0.33 alloy with R = Sm and Gd. The addition of interstitial carbon modifies the magnetic properties significantly as regards the magnetic transition temperature and the nature of the magnetic ordering. Carbon doping induces mostly a ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic configuration. The preponderance of ferromagnetic interactions in the superstructure compounds, with respect to the parent phases, can tentatively be attributed to a change in the sign of the RKKY interactions. The dense Kondo lattice state of Ce in ferrimagnetic Ce₅Ge₃ is preserved in Ce₁₅Ge₉C. Large coercive fields (∼4-5 kOe) at low temperatures are observed in most compounds, which exceed ∼50 kOe in the two Sm based compound.     

Crystal structure and magnetic behavior of novel R2PdIn8 (R = Pr, Nd, and Sm) compounds

A new series of R₂PdIn₈ intermetallics, where R = Pr, Nd, and Sm, was prepared by arc-melting the constituents under argon atmosphere and studied by means of X-ray diffraction and magnetic measurements. The compounds crystallize with a tetragonal structure of the Ho₂CoGa₈ type (space group P4/mmm). At very low temperatures, they order antiferromagnetically, and the Nd-based indide presumably exhibits an additional magnetic phase transition in the ordered region.     

Crystal structure and magnetic properties of DyCuxGa2−x (x = 0-2.0) antiferromagnetic compounds

DyCu_xGa_2−x (x = 0-2.0) compounds have been synthesized; meanwhile, their crystal structure and magnetic properties have been investigated by X-ray diffraction and magnetic measurements. The result shows that the continuous solid-solution series crystallize in three phases, with the structure types of AlB₂ (x = 0-0.2), DyCuGe (x = 0.3-0.6) and CeCu₂ (x = 0.7-2.0), respectively. The main reason to form the three structure types is considered to be the average atomic radius ratio of R to Cu/Ga. Magnetic-ordering transition of the compounds with x = 0.2-0.6 takes place at about 20 K and 113 K, while those of other compounds only takes place at about 20 K, which is attributed to the change of the near Dy-Dy distances and the ordered substitution of Ga by Cu.     

Anisotropic magnetocaloric effect in TbNiAl

We present study of the anisotropic magnetocaloric effect in TbNiAl crystallizing in the hexagonal ZrNiAl-type structure. TbNiAl orders antiferromagnetically below T_N = 47 K and undergoes second magnetic phase transition to another antiferromagnetic structure at T₁ = 23 K. Magnetization and specific heat measurements on single crystal revealed strongly anisotropic magnetocaloric effect. The large effect occurs for field applied along the hexagonal c-axis whereas the entropy change is almost zero for the perpendicular field direction. Plateau-like character of the determined temperature change is observed between T_N and T₁.     

Negative magnetization, magnetic anisotropy and magnetic ordering studies on Al-substituted copper ferrite

Detailed magnetic properties of Al³⁺-modified CuFe₂O₄ spinel ferrite system: CuAl_xFe_2−xO₄; x = 0.0, 0.2, 0.4 and 0.6, have been studied by means of X-ray powder diffraction, field cooled (FC) and zero field cooled magnetization (ZFC) (H = 10 mTesla, T = 4-325 K), magnetic hysteresis (H_max = 2 Tesla, T = 10 and 300 K) and low field (40 A/m) ac susceptibility (T = 300-750 K) measurements. The system exhibits canted spin structure. It has been shown that the observed features of the FC-ZFC magnetization and ac susceptibility curves arise due to the low magneto crystalline anisotropy, not due to the cluster spin-glass-like magnetic ordering. The interesting features like low temperature cusp in the ZFC magnetization for all the compositions and negative magnetization for x = 0.6 composition have been observed. An attempt has been made to explain the negative magnetization within the framework of available models.     

Ferromagnetism in ZnTe:Cr film grown on Si(1 0 0)

Zn_1−xCr_xTe (x = 0.0 and 0.05) films were grown on Si(1 0 0) substrate by using thermal evaporation method. The structure of the films was investigated by X-ray diffraction and it showed the formation of ZnCrTe phase with an amorphous background, which indicated poor crystallinity. Composition analysis by XPS disclosed the presence of antiferromagnetic Cr₂O₃ and Cr precipitates. Magnetic domains were observed by using magnetic force microscopy at ambient temperature and the result showed anisotropic domains with an average size of 3.5 nm. Magnetic field dependence of magnetic moment measurements showed obvious hysteresis loop with a coercive field of 121 Oe at 300 K. Temperature dependence of magnetic moment showed short-range ferromagnetic order. The Curie temperature was estimated to be 354.5 K.     

Near room temperature magnetic entropy changes in as-cast Gd100−xMnx (x = 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 at.%) alloys

A series of Gd_100−xMn_x (x = 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 at.%) alloys were prepared by arc-melting. The Curie temperature (T_C) associated with the ferromagnetic-paramagnetic transitions, derived from M-T curves, show decrease in T_C for as-cast alloys (∼279 K) as compared to as-cast Gd (∼292 K). No appreciable decrease in the |ΔS_M|_max values ∼4.6 J/kg K (0-2 T) and ∼8.6 J/kg K (0-5 T) were observed upon alloying Gd with Mn up to x ≤ 15 at.%. Refrigerant capacity (q) showed negligible variation ∼195 J/kg (0-2 T) and ∼450 J/kg (0-5 T) with increasing Mn (up to x ≤ 15 at.%) content. Similar values of |ΔS_M|_max and q coupled with ∼13 K decrease in T_C for as-cast Gd_100−xMn_x (0 ≤ x ≤ 15) alloys as compared to Gd, suggests expansion of working temperature region of Gd upon alloying with Mn up to 15 at.%. Low cost, adjustable T_C, favorable magnetocaloric properties make Gd_100−xMn_x alloys potential candidates as second-order transition based magnetic refrigerants for near room temperature air-conditioning and magnetic refrigeration.     

Magnetic properties of a new iron lead vanadate Pb2FeV3O11

Temperature dependence of dc/ac magnetization and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectra of Pb₂FeV₃O₁₁ iron lead vanadate has been investigated. The dc magnetic measurements have shown the presence of antiferromagnetic interactions with Curie-Weiss temperature, T_CW = −15.2 K, in the high temperatures range while the field cooled (FC) magnetization revealed a maximum at T_N = 2.5 K which coincides with a long range magnetic ordering. Temperature dependence of χ′ has shown a maximum at the same temperature. EPR spectrum of Pb₂FeV₃O₁₁ at room temperature is dominated by nearly symmetrical, very intense and broad resonance line centered at g_eff ∼ 2.0 that could be attributed to the correlated system of iron ions. The temperature dependence of magnetic resonance parameters (amplitude, g-factor, linewidth, integrated intensity) has been determined in the 4-300 K range and it suggests the existence of short range correlated spin system up to high temperatures. The temperature dependence of the amplitude of the resonance line has shown a pronounced maximum at 12.5 K that indicates on the existence of two subsystems of weakly and strongly coupled iron pairs. Comparison of dc magnetic susceptibility and EPR integrated intensity points to the presence of correlated spin agglomerates that play an important role in determination of the magnetic response of Pb₂FeV₃O₁₁.     

Magnetic properties, crystal and electronic structure of GdNi5−xCux series

The effect of Ni/Cu substitution on the magnetic properties, crystal and electronic structure of the polycrystalline GdNi_5−xCu_x series has been studied. All compounds crystallize in the hexagonal CaCu5 type of crystal structure (space group P6/mmm). The temperature dependence of magnetic phase transition (T_mag) estimated from χ_AC(T) susceptibility as well as magnetization M(T) below room temperature indicates the maximum for x = 1.0 copper concentration. In the paramagnetic range (above 300 K) the magnetic susceptibilities follow a Curie-Weiss-type dependence. The effective magnetic moments are higher than theoretical value for free Gd³⁺.From X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) data the valence band as well as the core level spectra have been analyzed. The filling of Ni3d band in the GdNi_5−xCu_x system by charge transfer of Gd conduction electrons is revealed by a reduction of the satellite intensities in the Ni2p core level spectrum. The obtained results exhibit that the valence bands at the Fermi level are dominated by hybridized Ni3d and Gd5d states, when Cu3d states are rather localized about 3 eV below the Fermi level. Quite good relation between the magnetic properties and electronic structure has been found.     

Magnetocaloric effect in the Ce2Fe17−xMnx helical magnets

The Ce₂Fe_17−xMn_x (x = 0-2) compounds demonstrate a complex temperature dependence of the magnetocaloric effect MCE, which is inverse in a narrow temperature interval just below Néel temperature T_N and normal at higher or lower temperatures. The normal MCE exhibits two peaks in the vicinity of temperatures of ferromagnetic ordering Θ_T and T_N for compositions x = 0-0.35, 1.3-2 or one peak near T_N for antiferromagnets with x = 0.5-1. The maximal change of the peak entropy −S_M is about 3 J/kg K in a field of 5 T for the compounds with x = 0-0.5 at T ∼230 K close to T_N. The drastic decrease of the MCE, by half, in the Ce₂Fe_17−xMn_x system is traceable to a decrease of the spontaneous magnetization and the helical type of magnetic states in the compounds.     

On the RMgSn rare earth compounds

A new family of ternary rare earth compounds, RMgSn, has been synthesized and their crystal structures, formation thermodynamics and melting behavior have been studied. All of the rare earth elements (including Y) form the 1:1:1 equiatomic phase with Mg and Sn. These compounds crystallize with two different structure types: the RMgSn phases with the light R (R = La, Ce and Pr) adopt the orthorhombic TiNiSi structure type (an ordered derivative of the Co₂Si-type structure, oP12, space group Pnma), while the ones formed by the heavier R (R = Nd, Sm, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm and Lu, plus Y) have the tetragonal CeScSi-type structure (an ordered derivative of the La₂Sb-type structure, tI12, space group I4/mmm). The observed unit cell volume V_obs and the mean atomic volume V_obs/n (where n is the number of atoms in a unit cell) both decrease as expected due to the lanthanide contraction, but following different trends. The volume of formation (ΔV%) becomes more negative on going from La to Lu along the series.All phases have been found to form congruently (including YMgSn and probably LuMgSn). Their melting temperatures decrease from La to Lu, but with different slopes for the two different structure types.Relationships, between the volume of formation and also the melting points with the lanthanide contraction have been examined. The relationship between the former is anomalous compared to that observed for other R_xM_y series of compounds, while the latter relationship is consistent with previously published results.     

Strong correlation between structural, magnetic and transport properties of non-stoichiometric Sr2FexMo2−xO6 (0.8 ≤ x ≤ 1.5) double perovskites

Sr₂Fe_xMo_2−xO₆ (x = 0.8, 0.9, 1.0, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4 and 1.5 wt.%) (SFMO) double perovskite oxides of different compositions have been prepared by sol-gel method. These materials were subjected to X-ray diffraction and found that crystal structure changes from tetragonal to cubic around x = 1.2 wt.%. Lattice parameters and unit cell volume have been calculated using X-ray diffraction data. Magnetization studies have been carried out using Vibrating Sample Magnetometer ranging from −15 kOe to +15 kOe and saturation magnetization (M_s) has been determined. Electrical resistivity and magnetoresistance studies have been carried out in the magnetic field range of −40 kOe to +40 kOe keeping the temperature constant at 5, 150 and 300 K using standard four-probe method. Resistivity studies have also been carried out in the temperature ranging from 5 to 300 K keeping the magnetic field constant at 0, 10, 20 and 40 kOe. Maximum degree of Fe/Mo ordering (η_max) of SFMO has been calculated and compared with magnetic and transport properties. It has been found that there is a strong correlation between 3 parameters η_max, M_s and MR (%), i.e. all of them show a maximum at x = 1.0 wt.% and decreases as x deviates from 1.0 in SFMO. It has been also found that there is a different resistivity behavior between x ≤ 1.2 wt.% and x > 1.2 wt.% samples of SFMO. Semiconductor metal transition temperature was found to be maximum at x = 1.0 wt.%.     

The studies of phase relation, microstructure, magnetic transition, magnetocaloric effect in (Gd1−xErx)5Si1.7Ge2.3 compounds

The phase relation, microstructure, Curie temperatures (T_C), magnetic transition, and magnetocaloric effect of (Gd_1−xEr_x)₅Si_1.7Ge_2.3 (x = 0, 0.05, 0.1, 0.15, and 0.2) compounds prepared by arc-melting and then annealing at 1523 K (3 h) using purity Gd (99.9 wt.%) are investigated. The results of XRD patterns and SEM show that the main phases in those samples are mono-clinic Gd₅Si₂Ge₂ type structure. With increase of Er content from x = 0 to 0.2, the values of magnetic transition temperatures (T_C) decrease linearly from 228.7 K to 135.3 K. But the (Gd_1−xEr_x)₅Si_1.7Ge_2.3 compounds display large magnetic entropy near their transition temperatures in a magnetic field of 0-2 T. The maximum magnetic entropy change in (Gd_1−xEr_x)₅Si_1.7Ge_2.3 compounds are 24.56, 14.56, 16.84, 14.20, and 13.22 J/kg K⁻¹ with x = 0, 0.05, 0.1, 0.15, and 0.2, respectively.     

Structural, magnetic and magnetocaloric properties in Pr0.5M0.1Sr0.4MnO3 (M = Eu, Gd and Dy) polycristalline manganites

Structural, magnetic and magnetocaloric properties of Pr_0.5M_0.1Sr_0.4MnO₃ (M = Eu, Gd and Dy) powder samples have been investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and magnetic measurements. Our samples have been synthesized using the solid state reaction method at high temperature. Rietveld refinements of the X-ray diffraction patterns show that all our samples are single phase and crystallize in the distorted orthorhombic system with Pbnm space group. Magnetization measurements versus temperature in a magnetic applied field of 50 mT show that all our samples exhibit a paramagnetic-ferromagnetic transition with decreasing temperature. The Curie temperature T_C is found to be 270 K, 258 K and 248 K for M = Eu, Gd and Dy, respectively. Arrott plots show that all our samples exhibit a second order magnetic phase transition. From the measured magnetization data of Pr_0.5M_0.1Sr_0.4MnO₃ (M = Eu, Gd and Dy) samples as a function of magnetic applied field, the associated magnetic entropy change |ΔS_M| and the relative cooling power RCP have been determined. In the vicinity of T_C, |ΔS_M| reached, in a magnetic applied field of 1 T, maximum values of 1.37 J/kg K, 1.23 J/kg K and 1.18 J/kg K for M = Eu, Gd and Dy, respectively.     

X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and magnetic properties of CeCo7Mn5 and CeCo8Mn4 isostructural ThMn12 type compounds

The magnetic properties of CeCo₇Mn₅ and CeCo₈Mn₄ compounds have been investigated by combining X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and magnetic measurements in a wide temperature range (4–550) K and magnetic field up to 12 T. X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) measurements showed that CeCo₇Mn₅ and CeCo₈Mn₄ compounds are isostructural and crystallize in the ThMn₁₂ structure type. XPS spectra pointed out the intermediate valence state of Ce atoms and that both Co and Mn atoms carry magnetic moments. The complex magnetic structure of CeCo₇Mn₅ and CeCo₈Mn₄ is determined by the competition between the ferromagnetic (Co–Co pairs) and antiferromagnetic (Co–Mn and Mn–Mn pairs) interactions. Two different ordering temperatures T_N and T_C correlated to antiferromagnetic and ferromagnetic coupling of 3d magnetic moments, respectively, are evidenced. Magnetic moments of about 1.6 μ_B/Co and 3.2 μ_B/Mn atoms were determined by correlating the magnetic data of the two compounds, in good agreement with the exchange splitting of XPS Co 3s and Mn 3s core levels.     

Room temperature electroresistance in Sr2−xGdxMnTiO6 perovskites (0 ≤ x ≤ 1)

We report on the room temperature strong (∼80%) electroresistance (ER) in the double perovskite with mixed Mn valence: Sr_2−xGd_xMnTiO₆, 0 ≤ x ≤ 1. Both, continuous and pulsed current-voltage curves are almost identical which indicates that the observed electroresistance is not associated with heating. This is also supported by simultaneous temperature measurements. ER is negligible (absent) in the x = 0 compound and increases with the increase of Gd content ‘x’. The amplitude of ER has a maximum for x = 0.75, suggesting that ER is determined by both the double exchange and the Mn³⁺ concentration. At the same time, magnetic interactions change from the antiferromagnetic (x = 0) to ferromagnetic ones as x → 1, thus linking the ER with ferromagnetism.     

Properties of the GdTX (T = Mn, Fe, Ni, Pd, X = Al, In) and GdFe6Al6 intermetallics

The magnetic and magnetocaloric properties of GdTX (T = Mn, Fe, Ni, Pd, X = Al, In) and GdFe₆Al₆ ternary compounds for possible applications in magnetic refrigeration have been investigated. Magnetization measurements have been performed in the temperature range of 2-400 K and magnetic field range of 0-7 T. The magnetic entropy changes ΔS_m have been calculated indirectly from the magnetization measurements. The calculated values of entropy change ΔS_m for examined compounds amount −13.63 J/K kg, −13.05 J/K kg, −6.13 J/K kg, −3.72 J/K kg, −1.38 J/K kg and −0.94 J/K kg, respectively, for GdNiAl, GdPdAl, GdPdIn, GdFeAl, GdFe₆Al₆ and GdMnAl at 7 T.     

Magnetic and anomalous transport properties in Fe2MnAl

This study investigated the magnetism and anomalous transport properties of the melt-spun ribbon Fe₂MnAl alloy. It is found that the alloy exhibits ferromagnetic order with the Curie temperature of ∼150 K, followed by another magnetic transition at T_R ∼ 51 K. It is suggested there is antiferromagnetism pinning effect on the ferromagnetic matrix at the temperature below T_R. A steep rise of the resistance below T_R has been observed, which can be understood in terms of antiferromagnetic scattering. An appearance of the resistance maximum near the Curie temperature and the negative temperature dependence of the resistance above Curie temperature are associated with the magnetic phase transition from ferromagnetism to paramagnetism. A negative magnetoresistance at low temperature arising from inhomogeneous magnetic scattering is reported.     

Synthesis and magnetic properties of nickel nanoparticles deposited on the silicon nanowires

Nickel (Ni) nanoparticles with sizes of ∼35 nm were deposited on the surface of silicon nanowires (SiNWs) by electroless plating technique. The magnetic properties of Ni/SiNWs were investigated. The blocking temperature (T_B) of 370 K was obtained and confirmed by field-cooled (FC) and zero-field-cooled (ZFC) plots. The M-H hysteresis loops from 5 K to 400 K were measured. The saturation magnetization value was ∼4.5 emu/g and the coercivity was ∼375.3 Oe for the loop at 5 K, respectively. While for the loop at 400 K, these values were of ∼2.6 emu/g and ∼33.3 Oe, respectively. The temperature dependence of coercivity followed by the relation H_C(T) = H_C0[1 − (T/T_B)^1/2], indicating a superparamagnetic behavior. The magnetization of superparamagnetic grains in a magnetic field H was better described by Langevin function at 400 K. These novel magnetic properties of Ni/SiNWs were possibly attributed to the paramagnetic defects on the surface of SiNWs.