Synthesis, structure and properties of RNiBN (R = rare-earth elements)

We report the structural and physical properties of new nitridoborates RNiBN (R = Nd, Sm, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, and Er). These compounds crystallize in a tetragonal LaNiBN-type structure with two-dimensional Ni2B2 and RN layers. The physical properties measurements indicate that they are antiferromagnetic metals. For R = Gd and Ho, a successive magnetic transition was observed below N e ' el temperature, possibly associated with spin reorientation due to Ruderman-Kittel-Kasuya-Yosida interaction. A giant magnetocaloric effect was measured in the R = Er and Ho compounds, which is related to a field-induced first-order metamagnetic transition from antiferromagnetic to ferromagnetic state. Our results indicate that RNiBN (R = Er and Ho) may be promising candidates for low temperature magnetic refrigeration

Automated summary

We report the structural and physical properties of new nitridoborates RNiBN, which exhibit antiferromagnetic metal behavior and show magnetic transitions and giant magnetocaloric effects. Our results suggest that RNiBN may be promising candidates for low-temperature magnetic refrigeration.