Curie-Weiss Paramagnetic Behavior Research Articles

Magnetic short-range order and Griffiths-like phase in the S-1/2 spin-dimer ferromagnet BaCu(SeO3)2

The polycrystals of S = 1/2 spin-dimer compound BaCu(SeO3)2 have been synthesized by using solid-state reaction. Without long-range order, the magnetic susceptibility χ(T) curve presents two anomalies at T1 = 5 K and TG = 58 K due to antiferromagnetic (AFM) short-range order and short-range ferromagnetic (FM) correlations, respectively, which is further supported by the specific heat and electron spin resonance data. The high-temperature χ(T) curve follows the Curie-Weiss law with θCW = 11.3 K, showing the dominant intradimer FM interaction. The magnetization M(H) curve at 2 K is characteristic of an AFM-FM transition at 0.4 T, suggesting the weak interdimer AFM couplings. The density function theory calculations and quantum Monte Carlo simulations allow an estimation of the intradimer and interdimer exchanges with J1/kB = 39.09 K, J2/kB = −1.51 K, and J3/kB = −1.68 K. Interestingly, the χ−1(T) curve within θCW <T <TG deviates downward from paramagnetic Curie-Weiss behavior, mimicking the Griffiths-like phase. This is further supported by the ac magnetic susceptibility and magnetic relaxation measurements. The competing intradimer FM and interdimer AFM exchanges with a subtle ratio between them are proposed to be responsible for the formation of Griffiths-like phase.

Effects of Gd doping on the structural, optical and magnetic properties of [formula omitted] nanoparticles and the impact of the oxygen vacancy

In this study, we report on the structural, optical and magnetic properties of Ce1−xGdxO2−δ nanoparticles (NPs) (0.00 ≤x≤ 0.20) synthesized by the polymeric precursor method. The synthesis protocol successfully fabricated single-phase NPs in the whole range of x-values investigated. The samples were studied by using x-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), UV-Vis absorption, Raman spectroscopy, and vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM). TEM images and XRD analyses revealed the formation of fully crystalline single-phase cubic fluorite NPs having a mean crystallite size in the range of 6 – 4 nm. XRD data analysis showed a linear increase of the lattice constant with Gd-content (x), evidencing an effective incorporation of Gd3+-ions substituting Ce4+-ions in the cerium oxide matrix. The quantitative analysis of the Raman spectra revealed a gradual increase of defects concentration as the Gd-content increased. In order to maintain charge neutrality, it was observed that the formation of intrinsic oxygen vacancy follows different behavior depending on the Gd-content. This result is in agreement with the Gd-content dependence of optical band gap determined from UV visible absorption spectra. The analysis of magnetic measurements revealed the coexistence of ferromagnetic and paramagnetic contributions. At room temperature, the ferromagnetic contribution show a maximum saturation magnetization (Ms) for the sample with x = 0.02 and a decreasing trend for higher x values. 5 K magnetic measurements data analysis corroborates with the Raman spectroscopy data analysis. The paramagnetic contribution follows a typical paramagnetic Curie-Weiss behavior with antiferromagnetic/ferromagnetic correlations, which depend on the Ce3+- and Gd3+-contents.

Interesting magnetic response of the nuclear fuel material UO2

ABSTRACT We report results of dc magnetization measurements on UO2. Our study reveals a deviation from standard Curie-Weiss (CW) paramagnetic behavior below 280 K, and that is followed by a transition to antiferromagnetic state with marked thermomagnetic irreversibility below TN = 30.6 K. The zero field cooled (ZFC) magnetization exhibits distinct structures not usually observed in the antiferromagnets, whereas field cooled (FC) magnetization looks more like a ferromagnet. The thermomagnetic irreversibility continues to exist in a subtle way even in the paramagnetic regime well above TN . This behavior along with the deviation from CW law highlight non-standard nature of the paramagnetic state. Magnetic response below TN changes significantly with the increase in the applied magnetic field. In the isothermal magnetic field variation of magnetization, a subtle signature of a magnetic field-induced phase transition is observed. All these experimental results highlight the non-trivial nature of the magnetic state in UO2.

Evidence of magnetoelectric effect in Co4(H2O)3(SeO3)4

A new hydrated oxoselenite(IV) Co4(H2O)3(SeO3)4 was prepared by hydrothermal synthesis. The structure was solved from single-crystal X-ray diffraction data. This new phase crystallizes in the monoclinic unit cell a = 8.9369 (4) Å, b = 8.4225(4) Å, c = 9.6197(4) Å, β = 116.8239(13)° with a non-centrosymmetric space group P21 and is isostructural to Mn4(H2O)3(SeO3)4. The 3D framework is constructed of [CoO6] octahedra forming infinite zig-zag layers and [SeO3] trigonal pyramids placed between the layers. The magnetic susceptibility measurements indicated a Curie-Weiss paramagnetic behaviour for T ≳ 50 K and an effective moment μeff = 3.9(1) μB per Co2+, which corresponds to the spin only value for high-spin Co2+ (S = 3/2). An antiferromagnetic (AF) transition is observed at TN = 9 K with metamagnetic behaviour and two field-induced states. In addition, a small remnant magnetization characteristic of a canted AF state is observed at a temperature below 7 K. Dielectric measurements performed on one single crystal showed that the dielectric properties of Co4(H2O)3(SeO3)4 change in the magnetically ordered state, suggesting magnetoelectric coupling. Specifically, in the canted AF ordered state (T < 7 K), we observed a positive magnetocapacitance effect of 4.5% under a 1 T field, confirming that Co4(H2O)3(SeO3)4 is magnetoelectric.

Synthesis, crystal structure and physical properties of the solid solutions Ca14–x RExCdSb11 (RE = La–Nd, Sm, Gd–Yb, x ≈ 0.85 ± 0.15)

This article deals with the new antimonides represented with the general formula Ca14–xRExCdSb11 (RE = La–Nd, Sm, Gd–Yb, x ≈ 0.85 ± 0.15). The 12 studied compounds constitute a nearly complete series of rare-earth metal substituted variants of the ternary Ca14CdSb11 phase. All have been synthesized from the respective elements, employing high-temperature reactions under molten flux conditions. The structures have been fully characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction methods. All materials crystallize in the tetragonal Ca14AlSb11 structure type (space group I41/acd, No. 142, Z = 8). Rare-earth element atoms randomly substitute Ca atoms on the four available crystallographic sites, with a noted preference for the Ca2 site in case of the light (La–Nd) rare-earth elements and the Ca1 site in case of the heavier (Sm, Gd–Yb) ones. The electronic structure calculations and resistivity measurements indicate title compounds as degenerated semiconductors. Magnetization measurements at varied temperature show Curie-Weiss paramagnetic behavior consistent with local-moment magnetism due to the 3+ ground state for the rare-earth metal ions. In the case of the Yb-containing sample, a mixed-valence Yb2+/3+ state is apparent. The measured charge transport properties suggest small bandgap degenerate semiconductor-like behavior and suitability for thermoelectrics.

From the Ternary Phase Ca14Zn1+δSb11 (δ ≈ 0.4) to the Quaternary Solid Solutions Ca14- xRE xZnSb11 (RE = La-Nd, Sm, Gd, x ≈ 0.9). A Tale of Electron Doping via Rare-Earth Metal Substitutions and the Concomitant Structural Transformations.

The ternary compound Ca14Zn1.37(1)Sb11 and its six rare-earth metal substituted derivatives Ca14- xRE xZnSb11 (RE = La-Nd, Sm, Gd; x ≈ 0.90 ± 0.06) have been synthesized and structurally characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction methods. All compounds formally crystallize in the tetragonal Ca14AlSb11 structure type (space group I41/ acd, No. 142, Z = 8). The crystal structure of Ca14Zn1.37(1)Sb11 subtly differs from the structure of the remaining six, as well as from the structure of the archetype, due to the presence of a partially occupied interstitial Zn position. The extra zinc atom is needed in this structure to alleviate the unfavorable number of valence electrons in the imaginary Ca14ZnSb11. Electron doping, via substitution of RE3+ ions on Ca2+ sites, is shown as an alternative route to achieve electron balance in these Zn-based analogs of the Ca14AlSb11 structure, which does not require the incorporation of interstitial atoms. Electrical resistivity measurements done on single-crystalline samples are in agreement with the notion that Ca14- xRE xZnSb11 moieties behave as either bad metals or heavily doped semiconductors. Magnetization measurements show Curie-Weiss paramagnetic behavior related to the local-moment magnetism of the RE3+ ions.

Trends in Synthesis, Crystal Structure, and Thermal and Magnetic Properties of Rare-Earth Metal Borohydrides.

Synthesis, crystal structures, and thermal and magnetic properties of the complete series of halide-free rare-earth (RE) metal borohydrides are presented. A new synthesis method provides high yield and high purity products. Fifteen new metal borohydride structures are reported. The trends in crystal structures, thermal behavior, and magnetic properties for the entire series of RE(BH4) x are compared and discussed. The RE(BH4) x possess a very rich crystal chemistry, dependent on the oxidation state and the ionic size of the rare-earth ion. Due to the lanthanide contraction, there is a significant decrease in the volume of the RE3+-ion with increasing atomic number, which correlates linearly with the unit cell volume of the α- and β-RE(BH4)3 polymorphs and the solvated complexes α-RE(BH4)3·S(CH3)2. The thermal analysis reveals a one-step decomposition pathway in the temperature range from 247 to 277 °C for all RE(BH4)3 except Lu(BH4)3, which follows a three-step decomposition pathway. In contrast, the RE(BH4)2 decompose at higher temperatures in the range 306 to 390 °C due to lower charge density on the rare-earth ion. The RE(BH4)3 show increasing stability with increasing Pauling electronegativity, which contradicts other main group and transition metal borohydrides. The majority of the compounds follow Curie-Weiss paramagnetic behavior down to 3 K with weak antiferromagnetic interactions and magnetic moments in accord with those of isolated 4f ions. Some of the RE(BH4) x display varying degrees of temperature-dependent magnetic moments due to low-lying excited stated induced by crystal field effects. Additionally, a weak antiferromagnetic ordering is observed in Gd(BH4)3, indicating superexchange through a borohydride group.

EPR and Magnetometry of Mixed Phases in FeVO4\u2013Co3V2O8 System

Magnetic properties of five samples obtained in reactions between nFeVO4 and (1 − n)Co3V2O8 (with the composition index n = 0.54, 0.50, 0.40, 0.30 and 0.20) have been investigated by dc magnetometry and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR). The investigated samples contained two phases: one having lyonsite-type structure and the other Co3V2O8. Temperature dependence of dc magnetic susceptibility showed the Curie–Weiss paramagnetic behaviour with a strong antiferromagnetic (AFM) interaction in the high-temperature range leading to magnetic transitions at 6 and 12 K. For all samples, the magnetic hysteresis loop in isothermal magnetisation was registered at T = 5 K indicating the existence of a ferromagnetic component. Samples n = 0.54 and 0.50 displayed a large coercive field and remanent magnetisation in contrast to the other three samples due to higher content of the lyonsite-type structure. EPR spectra of the studied samples showed a broad asymmetric line that was decomposed on lorentzian or gaussian components. Temperature dependence of the spectral parameters (resonance field, linewidth, integrated intensity) of these components was studied in high-temperature range (T > 90 K). The observed spectra were attributed to different types of magnetic spin clusters.

Novel ternary compound Ce4Pt9Al13: Crystal structure, physical properties

The crystal structure of the novel Al-rich intermetallic phase Ce4Pt9Al13 was determined from single-crystal X-ray diffraction data and confirmed by powder X-ray diffraction. The compound crystallizes with its own structure type, which is a “site exchange” variant of the Ho4Ir13Ge9-type (Pearson symbol oP52, space group Pmmn, No. 59, Z = 2, lattice parameters: a = 4.1826(1) Å, b = 11.4424(3) Å, c = 19.8475(5) Å, V = 949.88(7) Å3). The magnetic properties of Ce4Pt9Al13 were determined in the temperature range 1.72–400 K. Down to the lowest temperatures studied, the compound shows a Curie-Weiss paramagnetic behavior with strong crystalline electric field contribution observed below about 200 K. The electrical conductivity in Ce4Pt9Al13 has metallic character, and at low temperatures it is governed by an interplay of strong crystal field and Kondo interactions.

An Unusual Triple-Decker Variant of the Tetragonal BaAl4-Structure Type: Synthesis, Structural Characterization, and Chemical Bonding of Sr3Cd8Ge4 and Eu3Cd8Ge4

Reported are the synthesis and the crystal structures of the new ternary phases Sr3Cd8Ge4 and Eu3Cd8Ge4. The structures of both compounds have been established by single-crystal and powder X-ray diffraction methods. They crystallize in the tetragonal space group I4/mmm (No. 139, own structure type, Pearson symbol tI30) with Z = 2, and lattice parameters as follows: a = 4.4941(14) Å; c = 35.577(7) Å for Sr3Cd8Ge4, and a = 4.4643(12) Å; c = 35.537(9) Å for Eu3Cd8Ge4, respectively. The most prominent feature of the structure is the complex [Cd2Ge] polyanionic framework, derived by unique ordering of the Cd and Ge atoms in fragments that bear resemblance to the BaAl4 structure type. Temperature dependent DC magnetization measurements indicate that Eu3Cd8Ge4 displays Curie-Weiss paramagnetic behavior with no sign of magnetic ordering in the measured range. Theoretical considerations of the electronic structure on the basis of the tight-binding linear muffin-tin orbital (TB-LMTO-ASA) method are also presented and discussed.

Magnetic characterization of mixed phases in FeVO4[sbnd]Co3V2O8 system

Dynamic and static magnetic properties of four nFeVO4/(1-n)Co3V2O8 composites obtained in reactions between nFeVO4 and (1-n)Co3V2O8 (n = 0.82, 0.80, 0.78 and 0.76) have been investigated by dc magnetometry and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR). All samples were diphase containing both the howardevansite-type and the lyonsite-type phases in different proportions. Dc magnetic susceptibility study showed the Curie-Weiss paramagnetic behavior with strong antiferromagnetic (AFM) interaction in the high-temperature range and the phase transition to the AFM state at low temperatures. The calculated effective magnetic moment could be justified by the presence of high spin Fe3+ and Co2+ ions. The appearance of hysteresis loop in isothermal magnetisation at low temperature indicates the existence of the ferromagnetic component in all four samples, but only 0.5% of all magnetic ions are involved in this phase. EPR spectra recorded in high-temperature range (T > 90 K) consisted of a single broad line centred at ∼3.2 kG. The fitting of observed spectra with two Gaussian lineshape functions allowed to study the temperature dependence of EPR parameters (resonance field, linewidth, integrated intensity). This analysis suggests that EPR signal arises from two spin subsystems: paramagnetic Fe3+ ions subjected to AFM interaction and AFM spin pairs/clusters of iron/cobalt visible only at high temperatures. At low temperatures two transitions to AFM states, due to the mixture of two structural phases, are registered in magnetic susceptibility measurements.

CePd2Al8 – A ferromagnetic Kondo lattice with new type of crystal structure

The novel cerium aluminide CePd2Al8 was investigated by means of single crystal X-ray diffraction and low-temperature magnetic, electrical transport and heat capacity measurements. The compound is found to crystallize with a monoclinic structure of its own type with a single crystallographic position for Ce atoms in the unit cell. Due to magnetic moments carried on Ce3+ ions, it exhibits Curie-Weiss paramagnetic behavior and long-range ferromagnetic ordering below TC = 9.5 K. In the entire temperature range studied, the physical properties of CePd2Al8 are influenced by Kondo interactions with an energy scale close to TC.

Dy3TaO7, A stoichiometric spin glass and the effect of disorder via chemical substitution in the Dy3−xYxTaO7 (0 ≤ x ≤ 3) solid solution

In this work, we present both structural and magnetic (DC magnetization and AC susceptibility) studies of the Dy3−xYxTaO7 solid solution. The structural characterization of samples was performed by Rietveld refinements of the X-ray diffraction data. All compounds crystallized in a weberite-related structure in the orthorhombic C2221 space group (No. 20); the variations of the lattice parameters obey the Vegard´s law in the whole range of composition. DC magnetic measurements of the Dy3−xYxTaO7 system showed a Curie-Weiss paramagnetic behaviour, with antiferromagnetic interactions at T>150K. Below 3K a spin glass behaviour in the 0 ≤ x ≤ 1 range of the solid solution was observed. The stoichiometric Dy3TaO7 compound showed spin glass behaviour although there is no evidence of structural disorder. For some Y3+ doped compounds (x = 0.33, 0.66 and 1.0), chemical disorder reduced the freezing temperature (Tg) values with a ×1/3 dependence. Cole-Cole analysis of the AC magnetic field response showed similar phenomenological parameters for the stoichiometric (x = 0) and the Y3+ doped compounds with spin glassiness, suggesting an analogous mechanism for these compounds. For the Dy3−xYxTaO7 system, in which the spin glass behaviour seems to exhibit a critical concentration, a magnetic phase diagram is proposed.

Synthesis and properties of HoT2Al20 (T = Ti, V, Cr) intermetallic cage compounds

Polycrystalline samples of HoT2Al20 (T = Ti, V, Cr) intermetallics were synthesized using a step-wise arc-melting technique. All three compounds adopt the CeCr2Al20-type crystal structure with Ho atoms positioned inside oversized icosahedral cages formed by Al atoms. The structure of HoV2Al20 compound is reported. The materials properties were studied by means of electrical resistivity, magnetic susceptibility, and specific heat measurements. All three compounds show a Curie-Weiss paramagnetic behavior down to 1.95 K. Specific heat measurements show the presence of electronic Schottky anomaly resulting from crystal-field splitting of Ho3+ energy levels in the three compounds, while in HoTi2Al20 and HoV2Al20 a second anomaly was observed, resulting from the presence of low-energy Einstein phonon mode.

Synthesis, Crystal Structure, and Characterization of Two Novel One- and Two-Dimensionally Polymeric Copper(II) Phosphonoacetates

Blue single crystals of Cu[μ2-OOC(CH2)PO3H]·2H2O (1) and Cu1.5[μ3-OOC(CH2)PO3]·5H2O (2) were prepared in aqueous solution. In compound 1 [space group C2/c (no. 15) with a = 1623.3(2), b = 624.0(1), c = 1495.5(2) pm, β = 122.45(1)°], Cu is coordinated by three oxygen atoms stemming from the hydrogenphosphonoacetate dianion and three water molecules to form a distorted octahedron. The Cu–O bonds range from 190.4(3) to 278.5(3) pm. The connection between the Cu2+ cations and the hydrogenphosphonoacetate dianions leads to a two-dimensional structure with layers parallel to (101). The layers are linked by hydrogen bonds. In compound 2 [space group P1 (no. 2) with a = 608.2(1), b = 800.1(1), c = 1083.6(1) pm, α = 94.98(1)°, β = 105.71(1)°, γ = 109.84(1)°], two crystallographically independent Cu2+ cations are coordinated in a square pyramidal and an octahedral fashion, respectively. The Cu–O bonds range from 192.9(2) to 237.2(2) pm. The coordination of the phosphonoacetate trianion to Cu(1) results in infinite polyanionic chains parallel to [100] with a composition of {Cu(H2O)[OOC(CH2)PO3]}nn–. Hydrated Cu(2) cations are accommodated between the chains as counterions. 1 and 2 show structural features of cation exchangers. Magnetic measurements reveal a paramagnetic Curie-Weiss behavior. Compound 2 shows antiferromagnetic coupling between Cu2+ ions due to a super-superexchange coupling. The UV/Vis spectra of 1 suggest three d–d transition bands at 763 nm (2B1 → 2E), 878 nm (2B1 → 2B2), and 1061 nm (2B1 → 2A1). Thermoanalytical investigations in air show that compound 1 is stable up to 165 °C, whereas decomposition of 2 begins at 63 °C.

Amorphization Effect for Kondo Semiconductor CeRu2Al10

We measured the magnetic susceptibility χ, electrical resistivity ρ, and specific heat Cp of a sputtered amorphous (a-)CeRu2Al10 alloy. χ value for a-CeRu2Al10 alloy follows a Curie-Weiss paramagnetic behavior in the high-temperature region, and magnetic transition was not observed down to 2 K. The effective paramagnetic moment peff is 1.19 μB/Ce-atom. The resistivity shows a typical disordered alloy behavior, that is, small temperature dependence for the whole temperature range. We observed an enhancement of ρ and Cp/T in the low-temperature region of T&lt;10 K. The enhancement in ρ is suppressed by applying a magnetic field. It is suggested that this behavior is caused by the Kondo effect.

Nontrivial Recurrent Intergrowth Structure and Unusual Magnetic Behavior of Intermetallic Compound Fe32+δGe33As2.

A new phase Fe32+δGe33As2 (δ ≤ 0.136) was obtained by two-step synthesis from the elements. Fe32+δGe33As2 crystallizes in its own structure type (space group P6/mmm, Z = 1, a = 11.919(3) Å, c = 7.558(4) Å) that can be described as a recurrent two-dimensional intergrowth of two intermetallic structure types, MgFe6Ge6 and Co2Al5. Their blocks are represented by infinite columns in the structure. No visible structural changes were observed in the temperature range from 10 to 300 K. At 125 K, Fe32+δGe33As2 undergoes an antiferromagnetic-like transition, while above 150 K it shows a typical Curie-Weiss paramagnetic behavior. Below the transition temperature, a peculiar field-dependent magnetic susceptibility, that shows a significant increase of the susceptibility upon increasing the magnetic field, and a change in transport properties have been observed. Above 140 K, Fe32+δGe33As2 reveals a metallic behavior, in agreement with electronic structure calculation, while below this point the resistivity nonmonotonically increases upon cooling. The Seebeck coefficient is positive, indicating that holes are the major charge carriers, and shows a broad maximum around 57 K.

Homogeneity ranges and physical properties of ternary Laves phases RxZr1-xNi2 (R = Gd–Lu)

Homogeneity ranges and lattice parameters of the ternary compounds RxZr1-xNi2 (R = Gd−Lu) with cubic MgCu2-type structure have been refined from powder XRD and EDXS data: 0.22 ≤ x ≤ 0.27 for Gd, 0.12 ≤ x ≤ 0.27 for Tb and Ho, 0.12 ≤ x ≤ 0.24 for Dy, Er, and Tm, 0.22 ≤ x ≤ 0.24 for Yb and 0.23 ≤ x ≤ 0.24 for Lu at 870 K. The crystal structure has been also investigated for two single crystals Dy0.16Zr0.84Ni2 and Tm0.17Zr0.83Ni2 from the XRD data: MgCu2 type structure, space group Fd3¯ m, Z = 8, a = 6.988(5) Å, R1 = 0.055 for 54 independent reflections Io > 2σ(Io)) for Dy0.16Zr0.84Ni2 and a = 6.976(5) Å, R1 = 0.053 for 46 independent reflections Io > 2σ(Io) for Tm0.17Zr0.83Ni2. The electronic structure of RxZr1-xNi2 was studied with the TB-LMTO method. Y0.22Zr0.78Ni2 and Lu0.23Zr0.77Ni2 are temperature independent Pauli paramagnets and exhibit for T < 6 K a simple normal metal behavior with a Debye temperature ΘD near 370 K RxZr1-xNi2 (R = Dy to Tm) reveal a Curie–Weiss paramagnetic behavior down to 3 K with effective magnetic moments approximately corresponding to the value of R3+ ions.

Structural, electrical and magnetic characterization of in-situ crystallized ZnO:Co thin films synthesized by reactive magnetron sputtering

Zn1−xCoxO (0 < x < 0.146) conductive thin films have been deposited by reactive magnetron sputtering of metallic Zn and Co targets at high pressure and temperature. The structural properties have been investigated by using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). It has been observed that all as-deposited films are crystallized in pure hcp ZnO structure and neither traces of metallic nor oxide Co-rich clusters were detected. The average grain size estimated from full width at half maximum of XRD results varied between 65 and 83 nm. XPS analyses exhibit that Co ions are successfully entered into ZnO lattice as Co+2. The electrical properties including conductivity, carrier density and carrier mobility were determined by Hall effect measurements in a temperature range from 300 K to 475 K. The conductivity of the films decreases from σ300K = 2.2 × 104 to 2.3 × 10−1 Sm−1 as the Co content changes from 0 to 0.146. Magnetic measurements reveal the absence of ferromagnetism even at 3 K and a paramagnetic Curie–Weiss behavior associated to magnetic clusters.

Low-temperature physical properties of TmSnGe and LuSnGe

The compounds RSnGe (R=Tm, Lu) were synthesized in polycrystalline form and characterized by X-ray diffraction, magnetization, electrical resistivity and heat capacity measurements performed in wide temperature range. TmSnGe was found to show a Curie–Weiss paramagnetic behavior with no magnetic ordering down to 0.35K. LuSnGe was established to be a weak diamagnet and to exhibit a BCS-type superconductivity below 0.74K.