Single-crystal growth and magnetic properties of quasi-one-dimensional Ce 3 MnBi 5

We successfully grow a high-quality single crystal of $\mathrm{C}{\mathrm{e}}₃\mathrm{MnB}{\mathrm{i}}₅$ and systematically study its structure, magnetism, specific heat, and electrical transport. $\mathrm{C}{\mathrm{e}}₃\mathrm{MnB}{\mathrm{i}}₅$ crystallizes in a hexagonal structure with space group $P{6}₃/mcm$ (No.193), which consists of quasi-one-dimensional chains of face-sharing ${\mathrm{MnBi}}₆$ octahedra and zig-zag chains of Ce atoms along the crystallographic $c$ axis. $\mathrm{C}{\mathrm{e}}₃\mathrm{MnB}{\mathrm{i}}₅$ displays two successive magnetic transitions at 42 K and 32 K under an external field parallel to the $c$ axis, arising most likely from the Mn-sublattice. In the case of an in-plane magnetic field, there is no obvious sign of magnetic transition, indicating strong magnetic anisotropy and complex exchange interactions in $\mathrm{C}{\mathrm{e}}₃\mathrm{MnB}{\mathrm{i}}₅$. The specific heat measurement clearly reveals the two successive transitions, corresponding well to the magnetization measurements. Increasing the magnetic field shifts them toward opposite directions, indicating a different origin of the two orderings. Isothermal magnetization curves measured with $H||c$ show a field-induced hysteretic transition, indicating a possible first-order transition. Further, electrical resistivity exhibits one-maximum behavior, possibly originating from the crystal electric field effect. The magnetoresistance is positive in the entire temperature and field ranges, with the hysteresis showing strong correlation with the magnetization behavior. These results demonstrate that $\mathrm{C}{\mathrm{e}}₃\mathrm{MnB}{\mathrm{i}}₅$ provides an excellent platform to explore the correlation behavior between the electron, spin, and orbital degree of freedom, which we hope can spark further study utilizing various probing and characterization methods.