Formation and magnetostructural characterization of the novel ternary compound Ce3Fe29-xMox

Formation and magnetostructural properties of the novel ternary ferromagnetic compound Ce₃Fe_29-xMo_x is reported. It was obtained in alloys with nominal compositions Ce₃ Fe_29-xMo_x, x=1.4, 1.5, and 1.6, prepared by arc melting and annealing during three weeks at 950°C. The crystal structure was well resolved as monoclinic with space group A2/m (No 12). Quantitative phase analysis, based on the processing of the X-ray diffraction patterns by the Rietveld method, was performed. Ce₃ Fe_29-xMo_x is the main phase (78-72 wt.%) with lattice parameters a=10.553(1) Å, b=8.511(1) Å, c=9.688(1) Å, and β=96.78(1)°. It coexists with Ce(Fe,Mo) ₁₂ as main spurious phase. Atomic positions and mean Fe-Fe interatomic distances are reported. Temperature-dependent magnetic susceptibility shows well-defined transitions at 7 and 115°C, which correspond to the 3:29 and 1:12 phases, respectively. Saturation magnetization at 4.2 K is 123 emu/g