Synthesis, structure and magnetic properties of the group iv tervary nitrides, AMN_2 (a = alkaline earth metal, m = transition metal)

摘要

The ternary transition metal nitrides of general formulation AMN_2 (A = alkaline earth metal, M=transition metal) have been systematically studied. These compounds have been synthesised by high temperature solid state reaction from their component binary nitrides in sealed systems. The structures of these materials have been determined by powder X-ray diffraction (PXD) and two layered structure-types (#alpha#-NaFeO_2-type and KCoO_2-type) have been observed, thus far. Intriguingly, magnetic measurements performed on nitride samples indicate they may not be diamagnetic (d = 0, S = 0) as their nominal stoichiometry suggests.