Crystal structure and basic properties of dirhenate quantum materials

Abstract

The anhydrous divalent 3d-metal dirhenate quantum materials, M(ReO${}_4$)${}_2$,were synthesized using solid-state methods for M = Mn through Zn. Previously unreported Mg(ReO4)2 is also described. Their layered crystal structures, which feature an in-plane triangular lattice of M${}^{2+}$, were refined using single crystal X-ray diffraction, and their optical absorption and several other physical properties were characterized. Their magnetism and heat capacity reveal long-range magnetic order at low temperatures in many of the M(ReO${}_4$)${}_2$ phases. Notably, many of these ordered states are sensitive to applied magnetic fields and can be readily suppressed by relatively small fields, suggesting competing magnetic interactions in a low-dimensional framework, which appear worthy of further study.