Crystal structure and magnetic properties of novel R3Co2.2Si1.8 compounds (R=Y, Gd–Tm)

The crystal structure of new ternary Dy3Co2.2Si1.8 compound has been established using single crystal X-ray diffraction, and those of R3Co2.2Si1.8 phases (R=Y, Gd–Tm) phases have been verified through the powder diffraction techniques. The Dy3Co2.2Si1.8 structure is a new structure type, which is obtained from the Er3Ge4 with an ordered Er3Ge4-type structure (space group Cmcm) one by coloring the two Ge sites, 4a and 4c, with Si and the 8f site with Co atoms.Tb3Co2.2Si1.8, Dy3Co2.2Si1.8, Ho3Co2.2Si1.8 and Er3Co2.2Si1.8 compounds display ferromagnetic-type ordering.

Graphical abstractThe novel R3Co2.2Si1.8 compounds (R=Y, Gd–Tm) adopt the new structure type, the ordered variant of Er3Ge4-type structure Magnetic studies on {Tb, Dy, Ho, Er}3Co2.2Si1.8 suggest that their magnetic interactions are primarily ferromagnetic in nature.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► The novel {Y, Gd–Tm}3Co2.2Si1.8 compounds adopt the Dy3Co2.2Si1.8 structure type, ► The Dy3Co2.2Si1.8 type is ordered variant of Er3Ge4 type structure. ► {Gd–Tm}3Co2.2Si1.8 compounds are primarily ferromagnetic in nature.