Intermediate valence behaviour of the ternary Cerium–Nickel–Phosphide, Ce2Ni12P7

The crystal structure of Ce2Ni12P7 (Zr2Fe12P7 type) was determined from X-ray powder diffraction data: full profile refinement, hexagonal unit cell, space group P6¯,a=9.1008(4)Å,c=3.7362(1)Å,RB=0.026,Rp=0.055. The results of the magnetic and electrical resistivity measurements indicate a strong f–d hybridization of the 4f electrons of the cerium atom. Analysis of X-ray absorption spectroscopy experiments proved these findings, and the Ce valence in this compound was derived as υ=3.23–3.21υ=3.23–3.21 at 10 K and room temperature, respectively.