Synthesis, magnetic, transport, and thermodynamic investigation of CeCo(Sb, Sn) 3
Abstract
CeCo(Sb, Sn) 3 has been grown from Sn flux and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The crystal structure of CeCo(Sb, Sn) 3 adopts the LaPdSb 3 structure-type and the structure is comprised of layers CoX 2∞2 octahedra, where X = Sb and Sb, and nearly square nets of X∞2 which are separated by Ce atoms. CeCo(Sb, Sn) 3 displays a metallic resistivity and the magnetic susceptibility data show paramagnetic behavior down to 2.25 K. Specific heat measurements reveal a phase transition at approximately 2 K, which is most likely magnetic. A Sommerfeld coefficient, γ = 140 mJ/K 2 mol-CeCo(Sb, Sn) 3, was obtained by fitting the heat capacity data at low temperatures for CeCo(Sb, Sn) 3 and is indicative of enhanced charge carrier mass; however, the low temperature resistivity and magnetoresistance data do not support the formation of an enhanced mass state for CeCo(Sb, Sn) 3. Thus, the enhanced Sommerfeld coefficient likely results from low lying crystal field levels which give rise to Schottky contributions at low temperatures rather than the formation of heavy quasiparticles. Herein, we report the crystal growth, structure, and physical properties for CeCo(Sb, Sn) 3. © 2012 Elsevier B.V.