Physical properties of non-centrosymmetric Ni2Zn11

X-ray single crystal data for Ni2Zn11 confirm an ordered atom arrangement with Ni-atoms in the tetrahedral site 8c of space group I4¯3m (a = 0.89110(8) nm; RF = 0.018) as an ordered variant of the non-centrosymmetric γ-brass phases (Cu5Zn8-type). Ultrasonic experiments, a study of the electrical resistivity as well as of the heat capacity of binary Ni2Zn11 reveal a rather brittle metallic compound, with a bulk modulus matching typical intermetallics. The absence of both superconductivity as well as of long range magnetic order in the temperature range from 350 mK to room temperature is considered to be a consequence of the rather low electronic density of states right at the Fermi energy.

► Ni2Zn11 is a variant of the non-centrosymmetric γ-brass phases (Cu5Zn8-type).
► Electrical resistivity & heat capacity proved it as a brittle metallic compound.
► The bulk modulus of Ni2Zn11 matched with typical intermetallics.
► Long range magnetic order is absent within (350 mK – room temperature) for Ni2Zn11.
► Superconductivity is also absent from 350 mK to room temperature for Ni2Zn11.