The Nd-Rh system
Phase diagram of Nd-Rh system determined by powder X ray diffraction, metallography and differential thermal analysis methods
Raman, A.↗
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Processing Bi-Pb-Sr-Ca-Cu-O superconductors from amorphous state
The bismuth based high T sub c superconductors can be processed via an amorphous Bi-Pb-Sr-Ca-Cu oxide. The amorphous oxides were prepared by melting the constituent powders in an alumina crucible at 1200 C in air followed by pouring the liquid onto an aluminum plate, and rapidly pressing with a second plate. In the amorphous state, no crystalline phase was identified in the powder x ray diffraction pattern of the quenched materials. After heat treatment at high temperature the amorphous materials crystallized into a glass ceramic containing a large fraction of the Bi2Sr2Ca2Cu3O(x) phase T sub c = 110 K. The processing method, crystallization, and results of dc electrical resistivity and ac magnetic susceptibility measurements are discussed.
Chiang, C. K.↗
Thermal emission from particulate surfaces: A comparison of scattering models with measured spectra
Emissivity spectra of particulate mineral samples are highly dependent on particle size when that size is comparable to the wavelength of light emitted (5-50 micrometers for the midinfrared). Proper geologic interpretation of data from planetary infrared spectrometers will require that these particle size effects be well understood. To address this issue, samples of quartz powders were produced with narrow, well-characterized particle size distributions. Mean particle diameters in these samples ranged from 15 to 227 micrometers. Emission spectra of these powders allow the first detailed comparison of the complex spectral variations with particle size observed in laboratory data with the predictions of radiative transfer models. Four such models are considered here. Hapke's relectance theory (converted to emissivity via Kirchoff's law) is the first model tested. Hapke's more recently published emission theory is also employed. The third model, the 'Mie/Conel' model, uses Mie single scattering with a two-stream approximation for multiple scattering. This model, like the first, is a converted reflec- tance model. Mie scattering assumes particles are both spherical and well separated, which is not true for the quartz powders, but includes diffraction effects. The fourth model uses the Mie solution for single scattering by spheres and inputs those results into the multiple scattering formalism of Hapke's emission theory. The results of the four models are considered in relation to the values of the optical constants n and k. We have grouped these as class 1 (k large), class 2 (k moderate, n is approximately 2), class 3 (k small, n is approximately 2), and class 4 (k small, n is approximately 1). In general, the Mie/Hapke hybrid model does best at predicting variations with grain size. In particular, it predicts changes of the correct pattern, although incorrect magnitude, for class 1 bands, where large increases in emissivity with decreasing grain size are observed. This model also does an excellent job on moderate (class 2) and very weak and intraband (class 3) regions, and correctly predicts the emission maximum and its invariance with grain size near the Christiansen frequency (class 4). The Mie/Hapke hybrid model also has the fewest free parameters of the four models examined, while maintaining the most physical treatment of the radiative transfer. The Mie/Conel model performs as well as the Mie/Hapke hybrid model in strong bands (class 1) but does not accurately model the behavior of moderate (class 2) and very weak (class 3) bands.
Moersch, J. E.↗
Disordered Zinc in Zn4Sb3 with Phonon-Glass and Electron-Crystal Thermoelectric Properties
By converting waste heat into electricity, thermoelectric generators could be an important part of the solution to today's energy challenges. The compound Zn4Sb3 is one of the most efficient thermoelectric materials known. Its high efficiency results from an extraordinarily low thermal conductivity in conjunction with the electronic structure of a heavily doped semiconductor. Previous structural studies have been unable to explain this unusual combination of properties. Here, we show through a comprehensive structural analysis using single-crystal X-ray and powder-synchrotron-radiation diffraction methods, that both the electronic and thermal properties of Zn4Sb3 can be understood in terms of unique structural features that have been previously overlooked. The identification of Sb3- ions and Sb-2(4-) dimers reveals that Zn4Sb3 is a valence semiconductor with the ideal stoichiometry Zn13Sb10. In addition, the structure contains significant disorder, with zinc atoms distributed over multiple positions. The discovery of glass-like interstitial sites uncovers a highly effective mechanism for reducing thermal conductivity. Thus Zn4Sb3 is in many ways an ideal 'phonon glass, electron crystal' thermoelectric material.
phases↗
Phase equilibria in the NaF-CdO-NaPO{sub 3} system at 873 K and crystal structure and physico-chemical characterizations of the new Na{sub 2}CdPO{sub 4}F fluorophosphate
Isothermal sections of the diagram representing phase relationships in the NaF-CdO-NaPO{sub 3} system have been investigated by solid state reactions and powder X-ray diffraction. This phase diagram investigation confirms the polymorphism of the NaCdPO{sub 4} side component and the structure of the ß high temperature polymorph (orthorhombic, space group Pnma and unit cell parameters a=9.3118(2), b=7.0459(1), c=5.1849(1) Å has been refined. A new fluorophosphate, Na{sub 2}CdPO{sub 4}F, has been discovered and its crystal structure determined and refined from powder X-ray diffraction data. It exhibits a new 3D structure with orthorhombic symmetry, space group Pnma and unit cell parameters a=5.3731(1), b=6.8530(1), c=12.2691(2) Å. The structure is closely related to those of the high temperature polymorph of the nacaphite Na{sub 2}CaPO{sub 4}F and the fluorosilicate Ca{sub 2}NaSiO{sub 4}F but differs essentially in the cationic repartition since the structure is fully ordered with one Na site (8d) and one Cd site (4c). Relationships with other Na{sub 2}M{sup II}PO{sub 4}F (M{sup II}=Mg, Ca, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni) have been examined and the crystal-chemical and topographical analysis of these fluorophosphates is briefly reviewed. IR, Raman, optical and {sup 19}F, {sup 23}Na, {sup 31}P MAS NMR characterizations of Na{sub 2}CdPO{sub 4}F have been investigated. - Graphical abstract: The structure of the compound Na{sub 2}CdPO{sub 4}F, discovered during the study of the phase relationships in the NaF-CdO-NaPO{sub 3} system, has been determined and compared with other Na{sub 2}M{sup II}PO{sub 4}F fluorophosphates. - Highlights: • XRD analysis of the isothermal section of the NaF-CdO-NaPO{sub 3} system at 923 K. • Rietveld refinement of the high temperature polymorph β-NaCdPO{sub 4}. • Crystal structure of the new Na{sub 2}CdPO{sub 4}F fluorophosphate determined from powder XRD. • Crystal structure - composition relationships of Na{sub 2}M{sup II}PO{sub 4}F compounds are reviewed. • IR, Raman, optical and {sup 19}F, {sup 23}Na, {sup 31}P MAS NMR characterizations of Na{sub 2}CdPO{sub 4}F.
37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
Enhanced Photocatalytic Degradation of Methylene Blue Dye, Opto-magnetic and Antibacterial Behaviour of Pure and La-doped ZnO Nanoparticles
The different doping concentrations of lanthanum (La)-doped ZnO nanoparticles were synthesized successfully using zinc acetate and lanthanum nitrate via wet chemical method. Characterization of the prepared sample was done by standard analytical techniques such as powder x-ray diffraction analysis (P-XRD), high-resolution scanning electron microscopy (HR-SEM), energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), Fourier transformer-infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, photoluminescence (PL) and UV-Vis spectroscopy (UV-Vis), and magnetic studies (VSM). The structural analysis has been carried out by powder x-ray diffraction. X-ray diffraction studies revealed that the nanoparticles are well-crystalline and possess hexagonal wurtzite structure. HR-SEM images showed the homogenous spherical-shaped morphology of the synthesized ZnO nanoparticles. EDS analysis confirmed the presence of La ions into ZnO lattice. The band gap (Eg) energy was determined by UV-Visible spectral data, and it was found that the Eg value decreases with increasing the La concentration into ZnO lattice. PL spectra confirmed that the effective La doping enhance the UV and visible region near band gap emission. The effect of La doping on the photocatalytic activity of ZnO nanoparticles for the degradation of methylene blue dye was studied under solar illumination and the results showed that the La doping kindles appreciable degradation of MB. The optical density measurements of the ZnO nanoparticles against both gram-positive (Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus) as well as gram-negative bacteria (Proteus mirabilis, Salmonella typhi) showed better bacterial activity than pure ZnO. Moreover, it showed that higher dopant La in ZnO exhibit efficient antibacterial activity.
75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
Reaction Heterogeneity in LiNi 0.8 Co 0.15 Al 0.05 O 2 Induced by Surface Layer
Through operando synchrotron powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis of layered transition metal oxide electrodes of composition LiNi0.8Co0.15Al0.05O2 (NCA), we decouple the intrinsic bulk reaction mechanism from surface-induced effects. For identically prepared and cycled electrodes stored in different environments, we demonstrate that the intrinsic bulk reaction for pristine NCA follows solid-solution mechanism, not a two-phase as suggested previously. By combining high resolution powder X-ray diffraction, diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS) and surface sensitive X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), we demonstrate that adventitious Li2CO3 forms on the electrode particle surface during exposure to air, through reaction with atmospheric CO2. This surface impedes ionic and electronic transport to the underlying electrode, with progressive erosion of this layer during cycling giving rise to different reaction states in particles with an intact vs an eroded Li2CO3 surface-coating. This reaction heterogeneity, with a bimodal distribution of reaction states, has previously been interpreted as a “two-phase” reaction mechanism for NCA, as an activation step that only occurs during the first cycle. Similar surface layers may impact the reaction mechanism observed in other electrode materials using bulk probes such as operando powder XRD.
Grenier, Antonin↗
High-pressure phase transition of alkali metal–transition metal deuteride Li 2 PdD 2
A combined theoretical and experimental study of lithium palladium deuteride (Li 2 PdD 2 ) subjected to pressures up to 50 GPa reveals one structural phase transition near 10 GPa, detected by synchrotron powder x-ray diffraction, and metadynamics simulations. We report the ambient-pressure tetragonal phase of Li 2 PdD 2 transforms into a monoclinic $C2/m$ phase that is distinct from all known structures of alkali metal–transition metal hydrides/deuterides. The structure of the high-pressure phase was characterized using ab initio computational techniques and from refinement of the powder x-ray diffraction data. In the high-pressure phase, the PdD 2 complexes lose molecular integrity and are fused to extended [PdD 2 ] ∞ chains. The discovered phase transition and new structure are relevant to the possible hydrogen storage application of Li 2 PdD 2 and alkali metal–transition metal hydrides in general.
37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
The effect of fuel to nitrates ratio on the properties of FeCr{sub 2}O{sub 4} nanopowders
Highlights: • Single phase spinel FeCr{sub 2}O{sub 4} nanopowders were formed without further heat treatment based on powder X-ray diffraction, FTIR and EDS studies. • The probable combustion mechanism with thermodynamic concepts involved in the formation of FeCr{sub 2}O{sub 4} nanopowders were discussed. • The effect of different amount of fuel to metal nitrates ratio (F/N) on the self-combusted FeCr{sub 2}O{sub 4} nanopowders was investigated. • It greatly affects the morphologies, different nanocrystallite sizes, and magnetic properties by using different combinations of F/N ratios. - Abstract: The solution combustion of spinel type FeCr{sub 2}O{sub 4} nanopowders via different ratios of fuel to stating metal nitrates was investigated. The synthesized FeCr{sub 2}O{sub 4} nanopowders were deemed to be single phase spinel type material based on powder X-ray diffraction, FTIR and EDS studies. The properties of synthesized FeCr{sub 2}O{sub 4} nanopowders such as morphology, porosity, elemental composition, crystallite size, strain and lattice deformations, magnetic moment, and coercivity were influenced by the amount of the fuel used in the combustion process. FeCr{sub 2}O{sub 4} nanopowders with different morphologies, porosities, structural, and magnetic properties could be prepared in a single procedure on a hotplate magnetic stirrer without the need for high temperature furnaces.
36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
Stability of Solid Uranyl Peroxides under Irradiation
The effects of radiation on a variety of uranyl peroxide compounds were examined using γ-rays and 5 MeV He ions, the latter to simulate α-particles. The studied materials were studtite, [(UO 2 )(O 2 )(H 2 O)2](H 2 O) 2 , the salt of the U 60 uranyl peroxide cage cluster, Li 44 K 16 [(UO 2 )(O 2 )(OH)] 60 ·255H 2 O, the salt of U 60 Ox 30 uranyl peroxide oxalate cage cluster, Li 12 K 48 [{(UO 2 )(O 2 )} 60 (C 2 O 4 ) 30 ]·$n$H 2 O, and the salt of the U 24 Pp 12 (Pp = pyrophosphate) uranyl peroxide pyrophosphate cage cluster, Li 24 Na 24 [(UO 2 ) 24 (O 2 ) 24 (P2O7)12]·120H 2 O. Irradiated powders were characterized using powder X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and UV–vis spectroscopy. A weakening of the uranyl bonds of U60 was found while studtite, U 60 Ox 30 , and U 24 Pp 12 were relatively stable to $γ$-irradiation. Studtite and U 60 are the most affected by α-irradiation forming an amorphous uranyl peroxide as characterized by Raman spectroscopy and powder X-ray diffraction while U 60 Ox 30 and U 24 Pp 12 show minor signs of the formation of an amorphous uranyl peroxide.
38 RADIATION CHEMISTRY, RADIOCHEMISTRY, AND NUCLEA↗
On the crystal energy and structure of A{sub 2}Ti{sub n}O{sub 2n+1} (A=Li, Na, K) titanates by DFT calculations and neutron diffraction
First-principles quantum-mechanical calculations (CRYSTAL09 code, B3LYP functional) were performed on alkali titanates A{sub 2}Ti{sub n}O{sub 2n+1} with layered structure (n=3,4,6). Monoclinic structural types with unshifted (P2{sub 1}/m) and with shifted (C2/m) layers were considered. Crystal energies and full structural details were obtained for all Li, Na, and K phases. Neutron diffraction data were collected on powder samples of P2{sub 1}/m-Li{sub 2}Ti{sub 3}O{sub 7} (a=9.3146(3), b=3.7522(1), c=7.5447(3) Å, β=97.611(4)°) and C2/m-K{sub 2}Ti{sub 4}O{sub 9} (a=18.2578(8), b=3.79160(9), c=12.0242(4) Å, β=106.459(4)°) and their structures were Rietveld-refined. Computed energies show the P2{sub 1}/m arrangement as favoured over the C2/m one for n=3, and the opposite holds for n=6. In the n=4 case the P2{sub 1}/m configuration is predicted to be more stable for Li and Na, and the C2/m one for K titanates. Analysis of Li–O and K–O crystal-chemical environments from experiment and theory shows that the alkali atom bonding is stabilized/destabilized in the different phases consistently with the energy trend. - Graphical abstract: Display Omitted - Highlights: • The P2{sub 1}/m structure-type is found to be more stable for A{sub 2}Ti{sub 3}O{sub 7} layer titanates. • The C2/m structure-type is found to be more stable for A{sub 2}Ti{sub 6}O{sub 13} layer titanates. • Tetratitanates are predicted to prefer the P2{sub 1}/m (Li and Na) or C2/m (K) structure. • Li–O and K–O bond distances follow a trend consistent with computed phase energies.
36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
Hydrogenation induced structure and property changes in GdGa
Hydrides GdGaH{sub x} were obtained by exposing the Zintl phase GdGa with the CrB structure to a hydrogen atmosphere at pressures from 1.5 to 50 bar and temperatures from 50 to 500 °C. Structural analysis by powder X-ray diffraction suggests that conditions with hydrogen pressures in a range between 15 and 50 bar and temperatures below 500 °C afford a uniform hydride phase with the NdGaH{sub 1.66} structure (Cmcm, a=3.9867(7) Å, b=12.024(2) Å, c=4.1009(6) Å) which hosts H in two distinct positions, H1 and H2. H1 is coordinated in a tetrahedral fashion by Gd atoms, whereas H2 atoms are inserted between Ga atoms. The assignment of the NdGaH{sub 1.66} structure is corroborated by first principles DFT calculations. Modeling of phase and structure stability as a function of composition resulted in excellent agreement with experimental lattice parameters when x=1.66 and revealed the presence of five-atom moieties Ga-H2-Ga-H2-Ga in GdGaH{sub 1.66}. From in situ powder X-ray diffraction using synchrotron radiation it was established that hydrogenation at temperatures above 200 °C affords a hydride with x≈1.3, which is stable up to 500 °C, and that additional H absorption, yielding GdGaH{sub 1.66}, takes place at lower temperatures. Consequently, GdGaH{sub 1.66} desorbs H above T=200 °C. Without the presence of hydrogen, hydrides GdGaH{sub x} decompose at temperatures above 300 °C into GdH{sub 2} and an unidentified Gd-Ga intermetallics. Thus the hydrogenation of GdGa is not reversible. From magnetic measurements the Curie-Weiss constant and effective magnetic moment of GdGaH{sub 1.66} were obtained. The former indicates antiferromagnetic interactions, the latter attains a value of ~8 μ{sub B} which is typical for compounds containing Gd{sup 3+}ions. - Graphical abstract: Ferromagnetic GdGa absorbs hydrogen in two steps to yield antiferromagnetic GdGaH{sub 1.66}. Display Omitted - Highlights: • Elucidation of hydrogen uptake behavior of the rare earth gallide GdGa by in situ diffraction. • H-incorporation in GdGa leads to the formation of chain-like polyanions Ga-H-Ga-H-Ga. • H-incorporation in GdGa changes magnetism from ferromagnetic to antiferromagnetic.
37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
Recycling of additively printed anisotropic Nd-Fe-B bonded magnets
A high potential cost-effective and environmentally friendly method has been applied for recycling anisotropic Nd-Fe-B bonded magnets. Waste additively printed Hydrogenation-Disproportionation-Desorption-Recombination (HDDR) Nd-Fe-B anisotropic bonded magnet was pulverized into composite powder containing Nd-Fe-B particles and nylon binder through cryomilling at a liquid nitrogen temperature (~77 K) under Ar inert atmosphere. Then, the cryomilled composite powder was warm compacted into a bonded magnet. Further, the magnetic particles were aligned during post-compaction annealing under a magnetic field of 30 kOe. The recycled bonded magnets have a higher density (3% enhancement), but slightly inferior magnetic properties compared to the original magnets, i.e., the magnetic remanence, coercivity and maximum energy product are reduced by 2%, 3% and 8%, respectively. The scanning electron microscopy revealed that some HDDR Nd-Fe-B powder crumbled into fine particles during cryomilling. Powder X-ray diffraction showed a small amount of Nd-oxide impurity in the cryomilled powder. The slightly deteriorated magnetic properties are ascribed to the oxidation of Nd-Fe-B particles due to formation of fresh fracture surface during cryomilling. The approach enables the direct reuse of end-of-life bonded magnets in an economical and environmentally friendly way.
36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
Martensite crystal structure in Ru-based high temperature shape memory alloys
Highlights: • A three level twinned microstructure is recognized in the β″ phase. • Wavy contrast boundaries which are typical for translation interfaces • Displacements are translations of tetragonal β′ phase, lost during transformation. • Six times bigger monoclinic cell is characterized by the disappearance of 5 translations. - Abstract: High temperature shape memory alloys RuNb and RuTa were investigated by X-ray diffraction in order to determine the structure of the low temperature β” martensite. Powder X-ray diffraction and Rietveld analysis confirm the monoclinic symmetry and allow a precise determination of the atom positions. The low temperature microstructure is the result of a martensitic transformation from a tetragonal β′ martensite. The analysis of how it is controlled by the space groups of the two phases and by their relative orientation is performed by transmission electron microscopy. A three level twinned microstructure is recognized in the β” phase. The investigation at the smallest scale twins reveals the presence of wavy contrast boundaries which are typical for translation interfaces. High resolution transmission electron microscopy images, accompanied by phase contrast imaging analysis, have been used to determine the translation vectors associated to the interfaces. These displacements are the translations of the tetragonal β′ phase which are lost during the transformation. The combination of X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy investigation allows the suggestion of a global distortion mechanism that explains the atomic displacements in the β” form.
36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
Organizing Chaos: Boosting Thermoelectric Properties by Ordering the Clathrate Framework of Ba 8 Cu 16 As 30
The type I clathrate, Ba 8 Cu 16 As 30 , is reinvestigated and found to have a low-temperature polymorph mP 108-Ba 8 Cu 16 As 30 with ordered Cu and As sites. In situ temperature-dependent powder X-ray diffraction experiments guided synthetic efforts toward the synthesis of the ordered monoclinic ( mP 108) and disordered cubic ( cP 54) polymorphs with high phase purity. While a transition from mP 108-Ba 8 Cu 16 As 30 to cP 54-Ba 8 Cu 16 As 30 is not directly observed, cP 54-Ba 8 Cu 16 As 30 is stabilized through quenching from high temperatures and is confirmed through high-resolution synchrotron powder X-ray diffraction. Further, combined theoretical predictions and experimental observations of the thermoelectric properties of both polymorphs reveal that the ordering of Cu and As atoms in the clathrate framework simultaneously enhances the Seebeck coefficient and electronic conductivity by increasing the hole effective mass and reducing the electronic scattering events. Consequently, the zT of mP 108-Ba 8 Cu 16 As 30 reaches a maximum of 0.2 at 575 K, an order of magnitude higher than that of cP 54-Ba 8 Cu 16 As 30 .
37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
Ultra-low thermal conductivities of hot-pressed attapulgite and its potential as thermal insulation material
In the past, there have been very few reports on thermal properties of attapulgite which is a widely used clay mineral. In this work, we report on extremely low thermal conductivities in attapulgite samples synthesized by hot-pressing. Attapulgite powder was hot-pressed at different temperatures into bulk samples, and a systematic study was conducted on the microstructures and thermal properties. Differential scanning calorimetry analysis shows that hot-pressing induces a rapid dehydration of the attapulgite powders. X-ray diffraction data and scanning/transmission electron microscopy reveal that the hot-pressed attapulgite features high porosity and complex microstructures, including an amorphous phase. As a result, the hot-pressed attapulgite exhibits thermal conductivity less than 2.5Wm -1 K -1 up to 600 °C. For one sample with porosity of 45.7%, the thermal conductivity is as low as 0.34Wm -1 K -1 at 50 °C. Finally, this suggests the potential of hotpressed attapulgite as a candidate for thermal barrier materials.
36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
Formation of Ba 3 Nb 0.75 Mn 2.25 O 9 -6H during thermochemical reduction of Ba 4 NbMn 3 O 12 -12R
The resurgence of interest in hydrogen-related technologies has stimulated new studies aimed at advancing lesser-developed water-splitting processes, such as solar thermochemical hydrogen production (STCH). Progress in STCH has been largely hindered by a lack of new materials able to efficiently split water at a rate comparable to ceria under identical experimental conditions. BaCe 0.25 Mn 0.75 O 3 (BCM) recently demonstrated enhanced hydrogen production over ceria and has the potential to further our understanding of two-step thermochemical cycles. A significant feature of the 12R hexagonal perovskite structure of BCM is the tendency to, in part, form a 6H polytype at high temperatures and reducing environments ( i.e. , during the first step of the thermochemical cycle), which may serve to mitigate degradation of the complex oxide. An analogous compound, namely BaNb 0.25 Mn 0.75 O 3 (BNM) with a 12R structure was synthesized and displays nearly complete conversion to the 6H structure under identical reaction conditions as BCM. The structure of the BNM-6H polytype was determined from Rietveld refinement of synchrotron powder X-ray diffraction data and is presented within the context of the previously established BCM-6H structure.
08 HYDROGEN↗
Low temperature crystal structure and magnetic properties of RAl{sub 2}
Low temperature crystal structure and magnetic properties of RAl{sub 2} (R = Pr and Nd) have been studied using temperature dependent powder x-ray diffraction, magnetization, and heat capacity measurements. Unlike PrAl{sub 2}, NdAl{sub 2} retains cubic MgCu{sub 2}-type structure from room temperature down to 5 K, which is also confirmed from first principles electronic structure calculations. The magnetization measurements show both PrAl{sub 2} and NdAl{sub 2} order ferromagnetically at T{sub C} = 32 K and 77 K, respectively. However, the magnetization measurements show the former is a hard ferromagnet compared to the latter which is a soft ferromagnetic material. The magnetic entropy change obtained from heat capacity measurements at ΔH = 30 kOe for PrAl{sub 2} and NdAl{sub 2} are 3.15 J mol{sup −1} K{sup −1} and 1.18 J mol{sup −1} K{sup −1}, respectively.
75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗