Variations of structure and magnetic properties in UTGe hydrides (T = late transition metal)

Hydrogenation of UTGe compounds results in formation of stable α- and β-hydrides, and modification of the crystal structure and magnetic properties. TC (3 K) of UCoGe increases up to 50 K in β-hydrides and TC (9.5 K) of URhGe up to 17 K in α-hydrides. The type of magnetic order is changed in UNiGe-H and UIrGe-H. The observed effects are attributed to the increased U–U spacing in the hydrides.

► Two types of hydrides (α- and β-hydrides) can form on the basis of UTGe. ► Hydrogen absorption causes the volume expansion and an increase of inter U distances. ► In general hydrogenation leads to stronger magnetic properties in UTGe-H.