Magnetic properties of Ce3−xGdxCo11B4 borides

The structure and magnetic properties of Ce3−xGdxCo11B4 borides have been studied by X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), magnetization and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) measurements. X-ray analysis reveals that the compounds crystallize in the hexagonal Ce3Co11B4-type structure with P6/mmm space group. The substitution of Gd for Ce leads to an increase of the unit-cell parameter a and the unit-cell volume V, while the unit-cell parameter c decreases linearly. Magnetic measurements indicate that all samples are ordered magnetically below the Curie temperature. The Curie temperatures increase as Ce is substituted by Gd. The saturation magnetization at 4 K decreases upon the Gd substitution up to x = 1, and then increases.