Manganese(ii) thiophosphate (MnPS3) intercalates with lanthanide (PrIII and NdIII) complexes: optical and magnetic properties

Abstract

We report the intercalation of Pr^III and Nd^III macrocyclic complexes into the layered hexahypothiophosphate MnPS₃ and the effect of this process on the optical and magnetic properties of the layered host. Spontaneous magnetization is observed within the 20–40 K temperature range, arising as a consequence of vacancy ordering occurring in the antiferromagnetically coupled host material. The band gap energy values are also modified, all intercalates showing lower values as compared to the pristine phase. Both effects are remarkably sensitive to the nature of the guest species, suggesting an interaction of the organic ligand with the terminal sulfur atoms of the P₂S₆⁴⁻ ions.