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Abstract:
Ternary gallides (La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm)AgxGa4−x have been prepared from the elements by arc melting under argon. From X-ray powder diffraction analysis the new compounds were all found to crystallize with the BaAl4-type structure. The homogeneity range of each of the REAgxGa4−x phases at 600 °C was established. Magnetic susceptibilities were determined over a temperature range extending from 4.2 to 1100 K. Above liquid nitrogen temperatures the paramagnetic behaviour of the (Ce, Pr, Nd)-Ag xGa4−x compounds is characterized by magnetic moments close to the ideal trivalent rare earth values. SmAgGa3 alloy is characterized by a typical Van Vleck-type paramagnetism of closely spaced multiplets; LaAgxGa4−x is diamagnetic. At very low temperatures onset of magnetic ordering is observed for CeAg0.65Ga3.35 (3 K), CeAg0.75Ga3.75 (5 K) and PrAg0.78Ga3.22 (8 K). No superconductivity was observed down to 4.2 K.
