Magnetic and magnetocaloric properties of Y bMn6Sn6−xInx

We have synthesized three Y bMn6Sn6−xInx representatives (x=0.45x=0.45, 0.80, 1.20), the first pseudo-ternary RMn6Sn6−xX′x compounds involving a divalent R metal. The crystal structure is found to evolve with the In concentration without modification of the Yb valency: Y bMn6Sn5.55In0.45 is isotypic with HoFe6Sn6 (ImmmImmm) while Y bMn6Sn5.20In0.80 and Y bMn6Sn4.80In1.20 crystallize in the TbFe6Sn6-type (CmcmCmcm). The In content is also determining as regards the magnetic and magnetocaloric properties: Y bMn6Sn5.55In0.45 (TC=216K) almost behaves like a simple ferromagnet while Y bMn6Sn5.20In0.80 and Y bMn6Sn4.80In1.20 also order ferromagnetically but at significantly lower temperatures (TC=154K and 129 K, respectively) and are further characterized by the interference of low temperature antiferromagnetic interactions. The results are discussed and compared to previously published data.