Two polymorphs of a new intermetallic Ce${}_2$Rh${}_2$Ga -- crystal structure and physical properties

Abstract

We report on the synthesis and physical properties of the new ternary intermetallic Ce${}_2$Rh${}_2$Ga. Its formation and dimorphism have been investigated by powder and single crystal X-ray diffractometry, as well as by differential thermal analyses. LT- and HT-Ce${}_2$Rh${}_2$Ga can be obtained by the chosen respective thermal treatment. The high-temperature form (HT-Ce${}_2$Rh${}_2$Ga), stable above 864(5)°C, is orthorhombic La2Ni3-type [Cmce, oS20, a=5.851(2) Å, b=9.618 (2) Å, c=7.487 (2) Å, V=421.3(2) Å3]; the low-temperature form (LT-Ce${}_2$Rh${}_2$Ga), stable below this temperature, is monoclinic Pr2Co2Al- (Ca2Ir2Si-) type [C2/c, mS20, a=10.0903(6) A, b=5.6041(3) A, c=7.8153(4) A, beta=104.995(3) degrees, V=426.88(4) A3]. The magnetic measurements were conducted on two different samples, namely on the LT-Ce${}_2$Rh${}_2$Ga and the other on the HT-Ce${}_2$Rh${}_2$Ga sample. The HT-Ce${}_2$Rh${}_2$Ga compound is found to exhibit a phase transition at 128.5 K. By virtue of the sharp peak anomaly in the temperature dependence of the magnetic susceptibility this phase transition is plausibly of antiferromagnetic origin, but occurs at a remarkably high temperature compared to what is typical for Ce binary and ternary compounds. LT- Ce${}_2$Rh${}_2$Gaa has a ground state of ferromagnetic nature which sets in at a paramagnetic-to-ferromagnetic phase transition at 5.2 K.