Magnetic behaviour of PrPd2B2C
Abstract
We have synthesized a new quaternary borocarbide PrPd2B2C and measured its magnetization, electrical resistivity and specific heat. The compound crystallizes in the LuNi2B2C-type tetragonal structure (space group I4/mmm). Above 100 K the magnetic susceptibility follows Curie-Weiss behavior with effective moment μeff = 3.60 μB, which is very close to the value expected for Pr3+ ions. We do not find evidence for magnetic or superconducting transition down to 0.5 K. Specific heat exhibits a broad Schottky type anomaly with a peak at 24 K, very likely related to crystal electric field (CEF) excitation. The magnetic properties suggest the presence of a singlet CEF ground state leading to a Van-Vleck paramagnetic ground state.
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