Magnetic behaviour of PrPd2B2C

TL;DR

This study reports the synthesis and characterization of a new PrPd2B2C compound, revealing its magnetic and thermal properties, including a Van-Vleck paramagnetic ground state and crystal electric field effects, with no magnetic or superconducting transition observed down to 0.5 K.

Contribution

The paper introduces a new PrPd2B2C compound and provides detailed magnetic, electrical, and thermal analysis, highlighting its unique CEF effects and Van-Vleck paramagnetism.

Findings

No magnetic or superconducting transition down to 0.5 K

Presence of a broad Schottky anomaly at 24 K

Magnetic susceptibility consistent with Pr3+ ions

Abstract

We have synthesized a new quaternary borocarbide PrPd$_{2}$B$_{2}$C and measured its magnetization, electrical resistivity and specific heat. The compound crystallizes in the LuNi$_{2}$B$_{2}$C-type tetragonal structure (space group {\it I4/mmm}). Above 100 K the magnetic susceptibility follows Curie-Weiss behavior with effective moment $\mu_{eff}$ = 3.60 $\mu_{B}$, which is very close to the value expected for Pr$^{3+}$ 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.