Local chemical order in Al92Ce8 metallic glass: The role of 4f-electrons

Using a combination of the synchrotron X-ray absorption spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, vibrating magnetometry, Faraday's method and thermal analysis, we studied Al92Ce8 alloy in the glassy, crystalline and liquid states. The cerium in the alloy demonstrates mixed valence behavior with the noticeable portion of tetravalent states. The local order and physical properties of the investigated composition are discussed in the assumption of specific chemical bonding between Al and Ce with partial involvement of 4f-electrons.