Effects of Er substitution for Nd on structural and magnetic properties of Nd1−xErxMn2Ge2 (0⩽x⩽1)

Abstract The structure and magnetic properties of Nd 1− x Er x Mn 2 Ge 2 (0.0⩽ x ⩽1) were studied by X-ray powder diffraction and magnetization measurements. All compounds crystallize in the ThCr 2 Si 2 -type structure with space group I 4/ mmm . Substitution of Er for Nd led to a linear decrease in the lattice constants and the unit cell volume. Increasing substitution of Er for Nd in NdMn 2 Ge 2 shows a depression of ferromagnetic ordering and the gradual development of antiferromagnetic ordering. A typical SmMn 2 Ge 2 -like behaviour is observed for the x =0.4 sample. The results are summarized in α preliminary magnetic phase diagram.