Observation of ferromagnetism in CeCr2Si2C single crystals

Abstract

RT₂X₂ compounds (R: rare compound; T: transition metals, X: Si, Ge), especially Ce-based compounds are important platforms for studying novel phenomena including magnetic behaviors, heavy Fermi superconductors, or the Knodo effect. Here, we report the growth of large-size CeCr₂Si₂C bulk single crystals with high purity, high quality, low defects, and high stability from high-temperature solution, laying a solid foundation for studying its native novel properties. Interestingly, native ferromagnetic behavior with a transition temperature of ∼12.4 K is first observed in CeCr₂Si₂C bulk single crystals confirmed by magnetic susceptibility and specific heat measurements. The ferromagnetic behavior originates from a long-range RKKY (Ruderman–Kittel–Kasuya–Yosida) magnetic exchange interaction mainly induced by the spatially localized f-electrons of Ce, along with d-electrons of Cr. Our findings elucidate the native ferromagnetic behavior of CeCr₂Si₂C bulk single crystals and widen the region of properties of RT₂X₂ compounds.