Spin-frustration in a new spin-1/2 oxyfluoride system (Cu13(VO4)4(OH)10F4) constructed by alternatively distorted kagome-like and triangular lattices

High-field magnetization and electronic spin resonance study in the twisted honeycomb latticeα-Mn2V2O7

We report the single-crystal growth of Mn₂V₂O₇and the results of magnetic susceptibility, high-field magnetization up to 55 T and high-frequency electric spin resonance (ESR) measurements for its low-temperatureαphase. Two antiferromagnetic (AFM) ordering at 17.5 K and 3 K and obvious magnetic anisotropy are observed inα-Mn₂V₂O₇upon cooling. In pulsed high magnetic fields, the compound reaches the saturation magnetic moment of ∼10.5μ_Bfor each molecular formula at around 45 T after two undergoing AFM phase transitions atH_c1≈ 16 T,H_c2≈ 34.5 T forH//[11-0] andH_sf1= 2.5 T,H_sf2= 7 T forH//[001]. In these two directions, two and seven resonance modes are detected by ESR spectroscopy, respectively. Theω₁andω₂modes ofH//[11-0] can be well described by two-sublattice AFM resonance mode with two zero-field gaps at 94.51 GHz and 169.28 GHz, indicating a hard-axis feature. The seven modes forH//[001] are partially separated by the critical fields ofH_sf1andH_sf2, displaying the two signs of spin-flop transition. The fittings ofω_c1andω_c2modes yield zero-field gaps at 69.50 GHz and 84.73 GHz forH//[001], confirming the axis-type anisotropy. The saturated moment and gyromagnetic ratio indicate the Mn²⁺ion inα-Mn₂V₂O₇is in a high spin state with orbital moment completely quenched. A quasi-one-dimensional magnetism with a zig-zag-chain spin configuration is suggested inα-Mn₂V₂O₇, due to the special neighbor interactions caused by a distorted network structure with honeycomb layer.

Structure, magnetism and magnetocaloric effect in a new triangular lattice compound Gd3Cu9(OH)19Br8

A new triangular lattice compound Gd₃Cu₉(OH)₁₉Br₈ has been synthesized by the hydrothermal method. The structure, magnetism and magnetocaloric effect of Gd₃Cu₉(OH)₁₉Br₈ have been studied by X-ray diffraction, magnetic susceptibility, isothermal magnetization and specific heat measurements. In Gd₃Cu₉(OH)₁₉Br₈, the Cu²⁺ ions form a Kagome lattice along the ab plane, and Gd³⁺ ions are located in the center of hexagonal holes of the Kagome layer. The Cu-sublattice and Gd-sublattice overlap and constitute a magnetic triangular lattice. The temperature dependence of susceptibility and specific heat curves indicate no magnetic transition down to 2 K, suggesting a paramagnetic-like behavior at low temperature. The magnetocaloric effect (MCE) at low temperature has been calculated according to Maxwell's equations. The maximum value of magnetic entropy change −ΔS_M is 26.04 J kg⁻¹ K⁻¹ and adiabatic temperature change ΔT_ad is 13.79 K, for a field change of 0–7 T, indicating a potential application of this compound in the field of magnetic refrigeration at low temperature. The influence of 4f–3d interaction on magnetism and MCE is also discussed.

The two-dimensional magnetic lattice of Gd₃Cu₉(OH)₁₉Br₈, where Gd³⁺ ions are located in the center of hexagonal holes of the Cu-Kagome lattice.

A Mero-Plesiotype Series of Vanadates, Arsenates, and Phosphates with Blocks Based on Densely Packed Octahedral Layers as Repeating Modules

The family of layered vanadates, arsenates, and phosphates is discussed in terms of a modular concept. The group includes minerals vésignéite and bayldonite, and a number of synthetic analogous and modifications which are not isotypic, but their crystal structures comprise similar blocks (modules) consisting of a central octahedral layer filled by atoms of d elements (Mn, Ni, Cu, or Co) and adjacent [VO4], [AsO4], or [PO4] tetrahedra. The octahedral layers are based on the close-packing of oxygen atoms. Within these layers having the same anionic substructure, the number and distribution of octahedral voids are different. In the crystal structures of compounds participating in the polysomatic series, these blocks alternate with various other structural fragments. These circumstances define the row of structurally-related vanadates, arsenates, and phosphates as a mero-plesiotype series. Most of the series members exhibit magnetic properties, representing two-dimensional antiferromagnets or frustrated magnets.

Synthesis and characterization of a series of transition metal oxychlorides: MBi(SeO3)2(H2O)Cl (M = Co, Ni, Cu)

Three new transition metal oxychlorides MBi(SeO3)2(H2O)Cl (M = Co, Ni, Cu) have been firstly synthesized through a hydrothermal reaction method at 200 °C. They were structurally determined to be isostructural with the Pbca space group of the orthorhombic system. They feature a 3D framework topology with two-dimensional tunnels intersected and filled with Cl anions parallel to the crystallographic bc-plane. Two neighboring MO5Cl octahedra are connected by a sharing edge into a M2O8Cl2 dimer which serves as the structural knots to knit the 2D [Bi(SeO3)2]∞ layers in the ab-plane together into the total 3D crystal architecture. The optical band gaps of CoBi(SeO3)2(H2O)Cl (1), NiBi(SeO3)2(H2O)Cl (2) and CuBi(SeO3)2(H2O)Cl (3) were evaluated to be 3.7 eV, 3.5 eV and 3.2 eV, respectively, through extrapolating the UV-vis-NIR optical absorption spectra. Besides, the spin-allowed d-d transition absorption spectra of the transition ion centers are observed in three compounds exhibiting different colors. Compounds 1, 2 and 3 can stay thermally stable below 370 °C, 400 °C and 300 °C, respectively, as found from the results of thermal analysis based on the simultaneous thermogravimetry and differential scanning calorimetry techniques. 1, 2 and 3 exhibit antiferromagnetic properties below Néel temperatures 6 K, 18 K and 52 K, respectively. Above the Néel temperatures, Curie-Weiss behavior dominates in the M-T process for the three compounds. The cell parameters are listed: a = 14.056 Å, b = 7.582 Å, c = 14.996 Å, and Z = 8 for 1, a = 14.083 Å, b = 7.575 Å, c = 14.860 Å, and Z = 8 for 2, and a = 14.576 Å, b = 7.371 Å, c = 14.656 Å, and Z = 8 for 3.

Two-Step Antiferromagnetic Transitions and Ferroelectricity in Spin-1 Triangular-Lattice Antiferromagnetic Sr3NiTa2O9

We report the low-temperature characterizations on structural, specific heat, magnetic, and ferroelectric behaviors of transition metal oxide compound Sr3NiTa2O9. It is suggested that Sr3NiTa2O9 is a spin-1 triangular lattice Heisenberg quantum antiferromagnet which may have weak easy-axis anisotropy. At zero magnetic field, a two-step transition sequence at T(N1) = 3.35 K and T(N2) = 2.74 K, respectively, is observed, corresponding to the up-up-down (uud) spin ordering and 120° spin ordering, respectively. The two transition points shift gradually with increasing magnetic field toward the low temperature, accompanying an evolution from the 120° spin structure (phase) to the normal oblique phases. Ferroelectricity in the 120° phase is clearly identified. The first-principles calculations confirm the 120° phase as the ground state whose ferroelectricity originates mainly from the electronic polarization.