Pauli paramagnetism of the novel uranium intermediate phase UCo(3-x)Ge(x) (0.2 <= x <= 0.4)
Résumé
The new compound UCo(3-x)Ge(x) with x = 0.4 was prepared by direct solidification of the corresponding liquid phase, followed by annealing at 973 K. Single crystal X-ray diffraction carried out at room temperature showed that it crystallizes with the hexagonal space group P6(3)/mmc (n degrees 194) and the unit-cell parameters a = 4.890(5) angstrom and c = 16.405(5) angstrom. The substitution of Co atoms by germanium atoms in UCo(3) (PuNi(3) structure type) yields stabilization of the CeNi(3) structure. The homogeneity range, evaluated by energy dispersive spectroscopy analysis, extends from x = 0.2(1) to 0.4(1). The electronic properties were investigated by means of DC magnetic susceptibility and DC electrical resistivity measurements. The phase is a Pauli paramagnet and exhibits electrical conductivity characteristic of strongly disordered metals.