Polymorphism and Magnetism in a Kitaev Honeycomb Cobaltate KCoAsO$_4$

Abstract

We report the synthesis, crystal structure, and magnetic properties of a new Kitaev honeycomb cobaltate, KCoAsO$_4$, which crystallizes in two distinct forms: $P2/c$ and $R\bar{3}$ space groups. Magnetic measurements reveal ordering temperatures of $\sim$14 K for the $P2/c$ structure and $\sim$10.5 K for the $R\bar{3}$ structure. The $P2/c$-type KCoAsO$_4$ sample exhibits a complex temperature-field phase diagram, including a field-induced phase, while the $R\bar{3}$-type KCoAsO$_4$ shows a simpler phase diagram with a single magnetically ordered phase. The observed differences in magnetic properties are attributed to subtle structural variations, strongly suggesting that local structural changes play a crucial role in determining the magnetism of cobaltate-based Kitaev materials.