Structure and magnetic properties of Fe2NiZ (Z=Al, Ga, Si and Ge) Heusler alloys

• Published in: Physica. B, Condensed matter Vol. 420; pp. 86 - 89
• Main Authors: Zhang, Y.J., Wang, W.H., Zhang, H.G., Liu, E.K., Ma, R.S., Wu, G.H.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Kidlington Elsevier B.V 01.07.2013; Elsevier
• Subjects: Alloys; Atomic-ordering temperature; Band structure; Condensed matter: electronic structure, electrical, magnetic, and optical properties; Condensed matter: structure, mechanical and thermal properties; Electron density of states and band structure of crystalline solids; Electron Localization Function; Electron states; Exact sciences and technology; Heusler alloy; Magnetic properties; Magnetic properties and materials; Physics; Spin arrangements in magnetically ordered materials (including neutron and spin-polarized electron studies, synchrotron-source x-ray scattering, etc.); Structure of solids and liquids; crystallography; Structure of specific crystalline solids; Transition metals and alloys; Band structure; Electron Localization Function; Atomic-ordering temperature; Heusler alloy; Magnetic properties; Nickel alloys; Curie point; Magnetic ordering; Ternary alloys; Band splitting; Iron alloys; Hybridization; Electronic density of states; Lattice parameters; Covalent bonds; Alloying elements; Heusler alloys; Phase stability; Atomic structure; Transition element alloys
• ISSN: 0921-4526; 1873-2135
• DOI: 10.1016/j.physb.2013.04.005

Fe2NiZ (Z=Al, Ga, Si and Ge) Heusler alloys have been synthesized and investigated focusing on the phase stability and the magnetic properties. The experimental and theoretical results demonstrate that covalent bonding originating from p–d hybridization plays an important role in these alloys, which dominates the stability of the ordered structure but leads to a decrease of the band splitting. The electronic structure shows that the IV group main-group elements (Si and Ge) provide a stronger covalent effect than the III group elements (Al and Ga). The variations of the physical parameters, like lattice constants, atomic-ordering temperatures, magnetic moments and Curie temperature, can be attributed differences in covalent bonding in these alloy systems.