Synthesis and magnetic properties of a new polymorph of Cu2(VO4)(OH) with a quasi-2D layer structure

Abstract

A new polymorph of copper(II) vanadate, Cu₂(VO₄)(OH), containing a layered magnetic sublattice, is synthesized by a hydrothermal reaction. It displays a 3D framework based on copper(II) oxide layers which are further connected by VO₄ tetrahedra through corner-sharing {V–O–Cu} bonds in the system. The copper(II) oxide layer is constructed by the interactions of Cu₃(μ₃-OH) building units. Magnetic properties are investigated by means of magnetic susceptibility, magnetization and heat capacity measurements. The results indicate a typical long-range canted antiferromagnetic ordering below ∼10 K and weak spin frustration arising from the competition between antiferromagnetic and ferromagnetic interactions inside the irregular Cu₃(μ₃-OH) triangles.