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The magnetic properties of Ce 1−xTbxMn2Ge2 ( 0 ⩽ x ⩽ 1 ) were investigated by means of field-cooled and zero-field-cooled magnetization measurements in the temperature range 5 K ⩽ T ⩽ 600 K . Earlier neutron diffraction experiments showed that Tb orders below 100 K while Ce does not order at any temperature. The substitution of Tb for Ce leads to a linear decrease in the lattice constants, and the magnetic interactions in the Mn sublattice cross over from a ferromagnetic character to an antiferromagnetic one. At low temperatures, the Tb sublattice also orders and reconfigures the ordering in the Mn sublattice. The results are collected in a phase diagram.

The structure and magnetic properties of Nd 1− x Er x Mn 2 Ge 2 (0.0⩽ x ⩽1) were studied by X-ray powder diffraction and magnetization measurements. All compounds crystallize in the ThCr 2 Si 2 -type structure with space group I 4/ mmm . Substitution of Er for Nd led to a linear decrease in the lattice constants and the unit cell volume. Increasing substitution of Er for Nd in NdMn 2 Ge 2 shows a depression of ferromagnetic ordering and the gradual development of antiferromagnetic ordering. A typical SmMn 2 Ge 2 -like behaviour is observed for the x =0.4 sample. The results are summarized in α preliminary magnetic phase diagram.