Physical properties of the layered compounds RE3Ru4Al12 (RE=La–Nd)

A series of ternary rare earth compounds RE3Ru4Al12 (RE=La–Nd) were synthesized by arc-melting technique, including the newly synthesized RE=La compound. X-ray diffraction measurements revealed that these compounds crystalize with the space group P 63/mmc. Magnetization, electric resistivity and specific heat of the samples were systematically measured. The results reveal that La3Ru4Al12 is Pauli paramagnetism while Ce3Ru4Al12 is intermediate valence. A ferromagnetic order is realized below about 40 K for Pr3Ru4Al12 and Nd3Ru4Al12. The related study may contribute the further understanding about the electron correlated picture in the triangular layered structure compounds.