Polar space group and complex magnetism in Ni11□(HPO3)8(OH)6: towards a new multiferroic material?

• Ni11□(HPO3)8(OH)6 was prepared using the hydrothermal method.
• This phosphite crystallizes in the non centrosymmetric space group P63mc.
• Long range antiferromagnetism orders below 67 K.

The Ni11□(HPO3)8(OH)6 phosphite was prepared using a hydrothermal method. Depending on the pressure used during the synthesis, different hierarchical superstructures were encountered, including a new original cross-shaped star. The as-obtained products were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning and transmission electron microscopy and magnetization. In agreement with the presence of transition metal dimers in the structure, a complex magnetic behavior is observed at low temperature. This magnetic ground-state, combined with the non-centrosymmetry of the space group, creates new opportunities for applications in this class of open framework inorganic materials.

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