Valence fluctuation and magnetic ordering in EuNi2(P1−xGex)2 single crystals

Abstract

Unusual phases and phase transitions are seen at the magnetic–nonmagnetic boundary in Ce-, Eu- and Yb-based compounds. EuNi2P2 is a very unusual valence fluctuating Eu system, because at low temperatures the Eu valence stays close to 2.5 instead of approaching an integer value. The Eu valence, and thus the magnetic property in this system, can be tuned by Ge substitution in the P site as EuNi2Ge2 is known to exhibit the antiferromagnetc (AFM) ordering of divalent Eu moments with K. We have grown EuNi2(P1−xGex)2 () single crystals and studied their magnetic, thermodynamic and transport properties. Increasing Ge doping to x > 0.4 results in a well-defined AFM ordered state with K for x = 0.5. Moreover, the reduced value of magnetic entropy for x = 0.5 at TN suggests the presence of valance fluctuation/the Kondo effect in this compound. Interestingly, the specific heat exhibits an enhanced Sommerfeld coefficient upon Ge doping. Subsequently, electronic structure calculations lead to a non-integral valence in EuNi2P2 but a stable divalent Eu state in EuNi2Ge2, which is in good agreement with the experimental results.