Lattice, magnetic and transport properties in antiperovskite Mn3Sn1−xGexC compounds

The temperature-dependent magnetization, lattice, and transport properties of Mn3Sn1−xGexC (0≤x≤0.50≤x≤0.5) compounds are systematically investigated. The Mn–Mn atomic distance decreases as Ge content is increased, and the transition temperature from ferromagnetic (or ferrimagnetic) to paramagnetic state decreases too. Mn3SnC has a large magnetovolume effect (MVE). However, Ge-doping in Mn3SnC gradually reduces the MVE, till the MVE disappears. Whether there is an abnormal lattice change or not, there always exists an anomalous increase in resistivity near the magnetic phase transition point with decreasing temperature.