Spin-density-wave transition in monolayer-trilayer La3Ni2O7 single crystals

TL;DR

This study reports a spin-density-wave transition in monolayer-trilayer La3Ni2O7, a hybrid nickelate, revealing its semiconducting behavior and pressure-induced metallization without superconductivity, thus expanding understanding of Ruddlesden-Popper nickelates.

Contribution

The paper introduces the synthesis and characterization of La3Ni2O7, demonstrating its unique spin-density-wave transition and pressure effects, providing new insights into hybrid nickelate physics.

Findings

Spin-density-wave transition at 170 K

Semiconducting behavior at ambient pressure

Pressure-induced metallization without superconductivity

Abstract

The recent discovery of high-temperature superconductivity in pressurized Ruddlesden-Popper nickelates stimulated intense research into their correlated electron physics. Establishing the diversity of ground states across different Ruddlesden-Popper phases is crucial for elucidating the superconducting mechanisms in these nickelates. Motivated by the recent report of superconductivity in hybrid 1212-type La5Ni3O11, we synthesized and investigated the long-range-ordered hybrid 1313-type La3Ni2O7. In contrast to its bilayer counterpart, the 1313-type La3Ni2O7 exhibits characteristic semiconducting behavior at ambient pressure, displaying a distinct anomaly at 170 K. This behavior is consistently evidenced by measurements of both magnetic susceptibility and specific heat. Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy unambiguously indicates a spin-density-wave transition occurring at 170 K. High-pressure electrical transport measurements demonstrate the induction of metallization under pressure, yet reveal no discernible traces of superconductivity up to 65 GPa. Our findings establish hybrid 1313-type La3Ni2O7 as a new member of the Ruddlesden-Popper nickelate family exhibiting a distinct spin-density-wave transition, and offers a new platform for investigating the interplay among crystal structure, electronic orders, and superconductivity in hybrid nickelates.