Structural and double magnetic transitions in the frustrated spin-$\frac{1}{2}$ capped-kagome antiferromagnet (RbCl)Cu$_{5}$P$_{2}$O$_{10}$

TL;DR

This study reveals a frustrated spin-1/2 capped-kagome antiferromagnet undergoing a structural transition at 310 K and two successive magnetic transitions at 20 K and 7 K, with complex magnetic behavior and strong frustration.

Contribution

First detailed investigation of structural and magnetic properties of (RbCl)Cu$_{5}$P$_{2}$O$_{10}$ highlighting its double magnetic transitions and frustration effects.

Findings

Structural transition from trigonal to monoclinic at 310 K.

Two magnetic transitions at 20 K and 7 K.

Strong magnetic frustration with f ≈ 8.

Abstract

The structural and magnetic properties of the geometrically frustrated spin-$1/2$ capped-kagome antiferromagnet (RbCl)Cu$_{5}$P$_{2}$O$_{10}$ are investigated via temperature dependent x-ray diffraction, magnetization, heat capacity, and $^{31}$P NMR experiments on a polycrystalline sample. It undergoes a structural transition at around $T_{\rm t} \simeq 310$ K from a high temperature trigonal ($P\bar{3}m1$) to a low temperature monoclinic ($C2/c$) unit cell, where the low temperature structure features the capped-kagome geometry of Cu$^{2+}$ ions. Interestingly, it shows the onset of two successive magnetic transitions at $T_{\rm N1} \simeq 20$ K and $T_{\rm N2} \simeq 7$ K. The shape of the $^{31}$P NMR spectra unfold the possible nature of the transitions below $T_{\rm N1}$ and $T_{\rm N2}$ to be of incommensurate and commensurate antiferromagnetic type, respectively. A large value of the Curie-Weiss temperature as compared to $T_{\rm N1}$ sets the frustration parameter $f \simeq 8$, ensuring strong magnetic frustration in the compound. From the $^{31}$P NMR spin-lattice relaxation rate, the leading antiferromagnetic exchange coupling is estimated to be $J/k_{\rm B} \simeq 117$ K. These unusual double magnetic transitions make this compound beguiling for further investigations.