Abstract
A novel ternary structure type has been determined from single crystals ofY b2Zn3Ge3.1 grownfrom zincflux solvent. Y b2Zn3Ge3.1 crystallizes in a novel monoclinic structure type(a = 1.5804(2) nm,b = 0.429 70(1) nm,c = 1.1524(1) nm;β = 126.14(1)°) withspace group C 2/m,Z = 4. The large ytterbium atoms are at the centres of pentagonal pyramids formed by Zn/Geatoms. Zinc atoms are centred in distorted triangular prisms and polyhedra aroundgermanium atoms are related to octahedra. The void at the centre of the Znoctahedra is only partially (20%) filled by Ge atoms. There are two positions forYb atoms in the unit cell, which contain ions with valency slightly higher than2+, as evidenced by x-ray absorption spectroscopy and bulk magnetic measurements. Thecompound exhibits metallic-like electrical conductivity, and its Seebeck coefficient shows atemperature variation characteristic of metals, being, however, fairly enhanced, as expectedfor intermediate valence systems.
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