Structural and magnetic properties of the ZrMn6Sn6−xGax (0.25 ≤ x ≤ 3.75) compounds

摘要: New ZrMn6Sn6−xGax (0.25 ≤ x 3.75) compounds of HfFe6Ge6-type structure have been studied using x-ray diffraction and magnetization measurements. Ga substitution leads to a contraction the unit-cell volume, it is found that, among three metalloid sites available, atoms mainly occupy two prismatic sites, with marked preference for 2d site lower Wigner–Seitz cell volume. The magnetic behaviour Mn sublattice evolves from antiferromagnetic (x 0.6) ferromagnetic ≥ 0.9), Curie temperature as high 475 K. intermediate contents order ferromagnetically present decrease in their at low temperatures. An overall diminution ordering observed upon substitution, whereas values maximal recorded 5 K field 15 kOe indicate that moment remains almost constant (≈ 2.2µB) this series. results are discussed related previously published data concerning other (X' = or In) representatives involving non-magnetic R metal.