Local structure characterization of superconducting MgCNi 3 prepared by SHS technique

Abstract

Extended X-ray absorption fine structure measurements at the Ni K absorption edge on MgCNi 3 prepared by an alternative method based on the self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (SHS) technique are reported in the temperature range from 5 up to 300 K. The temperature dependence of the interatomic Ni–Ni and Ni–Mg distances is in agreement with the values reported for samples obtained by the common solid state route, which has been largely used up to now. The Ni–Ni and Ni–Mg Debye–Waller factors can be well described by a correlated Debye model, with θ D = 287 K. The present measurements confirm the good quality of the samples produced by the SHS method.