Single crystal synthesis and magnetism of the BaLn2O4 family (Ln = lanthanide)

The series of compounds in the BaLn2O4 family (Ln = La–Lu, Y) has been synthesized for the first time in single crystalline form, using a molten metal flux. The series crystallizes in the CaV2O4 structure type with primitive orthorhombic symmetry (space group Pnma, #62), and a complete structural study of atomic positions, bonds, angles, and distortions across the lanthanide series is presented. With the exception of the Y, La, Eu, and Lu members, magnetic susceptibility measurements were performed between 2 K and 300 K. BaCe2O4 and BaYb2O4 display large crystal fields effects and suppression of magnetic ordering. All compounds show signs of magnetic frustration due to the trigonal arrangements of the trivalent lanthanide cations in the structure.