Structure and physical properties of RE₂AgGe₃ (RE=Ce, Pr, Nd) compounds

Abstract

We have synthesized the compounds RE₂AgGe₃ (RE =Ce, Pr, Nd) by arc melting. The crystal structure obtained from single crystal and powder X-ray diffraction suggests that these compounds crystallize in the α-ThSi₂ structure type. The magnetic susceptibility data of Ce₂AgGe₃ follows Curie–Weiss (CW) law above 25 K without any magnetic ordering down to 2 K. The effective magnetic moment (μ_eff) was calculated as 2.53 μ_B/Ce and negative Curie paramagnetic temperature (θ_p)=−2.4 K hint weak antiferromagnetic coupling among the adjacent spins. Pr₂AgGe₃ shows a complex magnetic behavior wherein the magnetic susceptibility at field cooled and zero field cooled modes bifurcates at 11.5 K with the latter undergoing a cusp like maxima, probably due to weak ferromagnetic interaction. The θ_p and μ_eff obtained are 4 K and 4.33 μ_B/Pr, respectively. Nd₂AgGe₃ undergoes multiple magnetic transitions. Temperature dependent resistivity data reveals that three compounds are metallic in nature.