Magnetic Properties of New Filled Skutterudite Compound BaFe4As12

The magnetic, electrical and thermal properties of a new As-based alkaline-earth-filled skutterudite compound BaFe4As12 prepared under high pressure have been studied at low temperatures. The temperature dependence of the electrical resistivity for BaFe4As12 reveals a metallic behavior. Any anomalies accompanied by phase transition were not observed down to 2K. A broad maximum of magnetic susceptibility around 50 K and a large electronic specific heat coefficient of 62 mJ/molK2 suggest that BaFe4As12 is a nearly ferromagnetic metal with spin fluctuations of Fe 3d electrons.