The Influence of Yb Doping and Sintering Conditions on the Magnetocaloric and Mechanical Properties of EuS

For this work, europium monosulfide (EuS) powders were prepared by sulfurizing Eu₂O₃ powder with CS₂ gas. The synthesized EuS powders were sintered by SPS at temperatures in the 800-1600 °C range for 0.33-1 h at 50 MPa under vacuum conditions. The influences of Yb doping and sintering conditions on the magnetocaloric and mechanical properties of EuS were investigated systematically. An increase in sintering temperature caused the rise of lattice parameters of EuS, whereas Yb doping caused them to drop. SEM showed that the grain size of the EuS increased with sintering temperatures in the 1000-1400 °C range. Higher sintering temperatures can enlarge the magnetizability and saturation magnetization of EuS compact. On the contrary, Yb doping can weaken the magnetizability and saturation magnetization of EuS compact. All sintered polycrystalline EuS compacts had weaker thermomagnetic irreversibility and lower magnetic anisotropy.

Effects of the initial flux ratio on CeSb2 crystal growth by a self-flux method

Self-flux growth of the single crystal CeSb₂ was studied in detail, and the most suitable growth parameters of CeSb₂ were obtained. The unusual magnetoresistance properties of CeSb₂ were observed and discussed.

Crystal engineering of nanomaterials: current insights and prospects

Nanocrystal engineering has evolved into a dynamic research area over the past few decades but is not properly defined. Here, we present select examples to highlight the diverse aspects of crystal engineering applied on inorganic nanomaterials.