Eu valence transition behavior in the nano form of EuPd2Si2

TL;DR

This study investigates how reducing particle size to the nanoscale via ball-milling affects the Eu valence transition in EuPd2Si2, revealing a qualitative change in valence behavior and magnetic properties compared to the bulk material.

Contribution

It is the first report on particle size effects on Eu valence transition in a Eu-based mixed-valent compound, showing nanoscale-induced qualitative changes.

Findings

Ball-milling retains tetragonal structure with 10-100 nm particles.

Magnetic susceptibility behavior qualitatively changes at nanoscale.

Mössbauer spectra indicate a first-order valence transition in nanocrystals.

Abstract

The compound EuPd2Si2 is a well-known valence-fluctuating compound with a largest variation of Eu valence in a narrow temperature interval (around 150 K). The ball-milled form of this compound was investigated to understand the Eu valence behavior in the nanoform. The compound is found to retain the ThCr2Si2-type tetragonal structure after ball-milling leading to a reduction in particle size, typically falling in the range 10 - 100 nm. We find that there is a qualitative change in the temperature dependence of magnetic susceptibility for such small particles, with respect to that known for bulk form. To understand this microscopically, Mossbauer spectra as a function of temperature were taken. The Mossbauer spectrum of the nanocrystalline compound is essentially divalent-like at room temperature, but becomes distinctly bimodal at all temperatures below 300 K, unlike that of the bulk form. That is, there is a progressive transfer of intensity from divalent position to trivalent position with a gradual decrease of temperature. We attribute it to a first-order valence transition, with extreme broadening by defects in the nano specimen. Thus, there is a qualitative change in the valence behavior in this compound as the particle size is reduced by ball-milling. Such a particle size study is reported for the first time for a Eu-based mixed-valent compound.