Ternary borides Nb${}_7$Fe${}_3$B${}_8$ and Ta${}_7$Fe${}_3$B${}_8$ with Kagome-type iron framework

Abstract

Two new ternary borides $TM$${}_7$Fe${}_3$B${}_8$ ($TM$ = Nb, Ta) were synthesized by high-temperature thermal treatment of samples obtained by arc-melting. This new type of structure with space group $P$6/$mmm$, comprises $TM$ slabs containing isolated planar hexagonal [B${}_6$] rings and iron centered $TM$ columns in a Kagome type of arrangement. Chemical bonding analysis in Nb${}_7$Fe${}_3$B${}_8$ by means of the electron localizability approach reveals two-center interactions forming the Kagome net of Fe and embedded B, while weaker multicenter bonding present between this net and Nb atoms. Magnetic susceptibility measurements reveal antiferromagnetic order below $T_N$ = 240 K for Nb${}_7$Fe${}_3$B${}_8$ and $T_N$ =265 K for Ta${}_7$Fe${}_3$B${}_8$. Small remnant magnetization below 0.01 $\hat{I}{¼}_B$/f.u. is observed in the antiferromagnetic state. The bulk nature of the magnetic transitions was confirmed by the hyperfine splitting of the Mößbauer spectra, the sizable anomalies in the specific heat capacity, and the kinks in the resistivity curves. The high-field paramagnetic susceptibilities fitted by the Curie-Weiss law show effective paramagnetic moments $\hat{I}{¼}_{eff}$ about 3.1 $\hat{I}{¼}_B$/Fe in both compounds. The temperature dependence of the electrical resistivity also reveals metallic character of both compounds. Density functional calculations corroborate the metallic behaviour of both compounds and demonstrate the formation of a sizable local magnetic moment on the Fe-sites. They indicate the presence of both antiferro- and ferromagnetic interactions.

11 pages, 11 figures