Crystal structure and magnetic properties in CeCu1−xAlxGe (0.1≦x≦0.5).

As judged by x-ray-powder patterns and crystallographic data, a 10–50% substitution of Al on the Cu site of CeCuGe prefers to crystallize in a hexagonal ZrBeSi-type structure with space group P6 3 /mmc rather than AlB 2 -type structure with space group P6/mmm. The substitution of Cu by Al in CeCu 1− x Al x Ge was found to be able to attenuate the localized Ce-4f moments. As determined from the electrical-resistivity and magnetic susceptibility measurements, both the ferromagnetic transition temperature T c value and the magnitude of the spontaneous magnetization in the series CeCu 1− x Al x Ge reflect the decreasing strength of exchange interactions with the Al concentration. In addition, the resistivity data in CeCu 1− x Al x Ge revealed the simultaneous contributions of exchange interactions, Kondo effects, crystal field effects and phonons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]