EuTMg2 (T = Pd, Ag, Ir, Pt, Au), EuTCd2 (T = Pd, Pt, Au) and CaRhMg2 – intermetallic compounds with orthorhombically distorted tetrahedral magnesium (cadmium) substructures

Abstract

Abstract The magnesium- and cadmium-rich intermetallic phases EuTMg2 (T = Rh, Pd, Ag, Ir, Pt, Au), EuTCd2 (T = Pd, Pt, Au) and CaRhMg2 were synthesized from the elements in sealed niobium or tantalum ampoules and with heat treatments in muffle or induction furnaces. The samples were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction and the structures were refined from single crystal X-ray diffractometer data. EuTMg2 (T = Pd, Ag, Pt, Au) and EuTCd2 (T = Pd, Pt, Au) crystallize with the MgCuAl2 type, space group Cmcm, while EuRhMg2, EuIrMg2 and CaRhMg2 adopt the YSiPd2 type, space group Pnma. The striking crystal chemical motif of both series of compounds are networks of puckered Mg(Cd) hexagons in ABAB stacking sequence that derive from the aristotype AlB2; however, with different tiling. Temperature dependent magnetic susceptibility and 151Eu Mössbauer spectroscopic measurements indicate stable divalent europium. Antiferromagnetic ordering sets in at 20.2 (EuIrMg2), 22.3 (EuPdMg2), 21.3 (EuAgMg2), 10.9 (EuPdCd2) and 15.5 K (EuPtCd2), respectively. The stable antiferromagnetic ground states are substantiated by metamagnetic transitions. The 151Eu isomer shifts show a linear correlation with the valence electron count for the whole series of EuTMg2, EuTCd2, EuTIn2 and EuTSn2 phases.