Crystal and thermodynamic properties of Tb2Ni2X, (X = Al, Ga)

Z. Z. Mpupa, M. B.Tchoula Tchokonte, B. M. Sondezi, D. Kaczorowski, A. M. Strydom

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

The crystal and thermodynamic properties of Tb2Ni2X (X = Al, Ga) are reported through measurements of X-ray diffraction (XRD), magnetic susceptibility, χ(T), magnetization, M(μ0H) and heat capacity, Cp(T). XRD pattern analysis confirms the orthorhombic W2CoB2-type structure with the space group of Immm. χ(T) at high temperature for both compounds follows the Curie – Weiss relationship giving an effective magnetic moment close to that expected for the trivalent Tb ion. The low-temperature χ(Cp) data indicate that both compounds order antiferromagnetically at TN = 41 K (40.4 K) and 41.5 K (41.4 K) for Al and Ga compounds, respectively. Cp(T) data of the nonmagnetic counterparts Y2Ni2X (X = Al, Ga) are well described by the Debye model giving a Debye temperature, θD = 236.9(4) K and 225.3(2) K for Al and Ga compounds, respectively. The low-temperature part of the 4f-magnetic contribution to the total heat capacity, C4f(T) can be described by the antiferromagnetic spin-wave dispersion, giving an energy gap Δsw = 47(3) K and 26(2) K for Al and Ga compounds, respectively. The 4f – magnetic entropy S4f(T) for both compounds reaches the value of 2Rln(2) close to their respective TN values.

Original languageEnglish
Article number416525
JournalPhysica B: Condensed Matter
Volume695
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 15 Dec 2024

Keywords

  • Antiferromagnetism
  • Heat capacity
  • Magnetic susceptibility
  • Magnetization
  • Spin-wave
  • TbNiAl, Ga

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Crystal and thermodynamic properties of Tb2Ni2X, (X = Al, Ga)'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this