Li$_2$Sr[MnN]$_2$: a magnetically ordered, metallic nitride

TL;DR

Li$_2$Sr[MnN]$_2$ is a newly synthesized metallic nitridomanganate with unique magnetic ordering and linear susceptibility increase, showing potential for studying magnetic and electronic properties in nitrides.

Contribution

This paper reports the successful growth, structural determination, and comprehensive physical characterization of Li$_2$Sr[MnN]$_2$, revealing its magnetic order and metallic behavior for the first time.

Findings

Antiferromagnetic order at 290 K

Metallic electrical transport observed

Linear temperature dependence of magnetic susceptibility

Abstract

Li$_2$Sr[MnN]$_2$ single crystals were successfully grown out of Li rich flux. The crystal structure was determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction and revealed almost linear $-$N$-$Mn$-$N$-$Mn$-$ chains as central structural motif. Tetragonal columns of this air and moisture sensitive nitridomanganate were employed for electrical transport, heat capacity, and anisotropic magnetization measurements. Both the electronic and magnetic properties are most remarkable, in particular the linear increase of the magnetic susceptibility with temperature that is reminiscent of underdoped cuprate and Fe-based superconductors. Clear indications for antiferromagnetic ordering at $T_{\rm N} = 290$ K were obtained. Metallic transport behavior is experimentally observed in accordance with electronic band structure calculations.