Magnetic properties of rare earth—Lead intermetallics

• Published in: Journal of solid state chemistry 1971-01, Vol.3 (4), p.564-566
• Main Authors: Hutchens, R.D., Wallace, W.E.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0022-4596; 1095-726X
• DOI: 10.1016/0022-4596(71)90102-2

Magnetic susceptibilities of the series of intermetallics represented by the formula RPb 3 ( R = Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu and Gd) are reported for temperatures ranging from 2.8 to 300°K. Curie-Weiss behavior is noted for all compounds except SmPb 3 with slopes in good agreement with that expected for assemblages of free tripositive ions (dipositive for EuPb 3). The behavior of SmPb 3 is in accordance with the behavior usually observed for Sm compounds and is due to the narrowness of the multiplet spacing in the tripositive samarium ion. PrPb 3 exhibits Van Vleck paramagnetism below 15°K; its susceptibility-temperature behavior is analyzed in terms of an overall crystal field splitting of 80°K. Results indicate the possible onset of antiferromagnetism at 17 and 22°K for GdPb 3 and EuPb 3, respectively. The other compounds give no indication of forming a cooperative magnetic phase at temperatures down to 2.8°K.