Evidence for ferromagnetic ordering in the MAX phase (Cr0.96Mn0.04)(2)GeC

• Magnetic ordering in the MAX phase (Cr0.96Mn0.04)(2)GeC is investigated by means of neutron powder diffraction (NPD). Upon cooling, the temperature dependence of the magnetization shows a two-step increase. The NPD refinement reveals that the first step, at 300 K, and the second step, at 38 K, originate from a collinear magnetic structure within the MAX phase and a spinel MnCr2O4 impurity phase, respectively. The former magnetic structure is oriented perpendicular to the c axis, with a net magnetic moment of similar to 0.6(2) mu(B) per Cr/Mn atom at 50 K. This is the first direct evidence for magnetic ordering within a bulk MAX phase. [GRAPHICS] IMPACT STATEMENT Direct neutron diffraction evidence for magnetic ordering in a bulk (Cr0.96Mn0.04)(2)GeC polycrystalline MAX phase sample is presented for the first time.

Ämnesord

NATURVETENSKAP  -- Kemi -- Oorganisk kemi (hsv//swe)

NATURAL SCIENCES  -- Chemical Sciences -- Inorganic Chemistry (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

MAX phase; neutron powder diffraction; magnetic ordering; transition metals magnetism

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