Structural and magnetic properties of ErFe2D3.1

The crystal structure and magnetic properties of ErFe2D3.1 have been studied by means of magnetic measurements and neutron powder diffraction in a wide temperature range from the highest temperature T = 450 K down to the lowest one T = 12 K. The crystal structure of ErFe2D3.1 is found to be strongly modified by temperature: the high-temperature cubic structure decomposes to the deuterium-deficient cubic and deuterium-rich distorted phases which coexist in a wide temperature range below 400 K and exhibit successive structural transitions. The neutron powder diffraction patterns analysis revealed ordering of deuterium atoms over preferential A2B2 interstitial sites upon cooling. Below the Curie temperature ErFe2D3.1 is a ferrimagnet. Two separate magnetic ordering temperatures for Er and Fe magnetic sublattices were observed. A large magnetic anisotropy has been found in ErFe2D3.1 at low temperature.

► Temperature evolution of the ErFe2D3.1 crystal structure has been studied. ► Phase decomposition of the ErFe2D3.1 high temperature cubic phase. ► Deuterium atoms are distributed over some preferential A2B2 sites. ► Two separate magnetic ordering temperatures for Er and Fe sublattices.