Magnetic properties of Mn2V2O7 single crystals

Magnetic properties of Mn2V2O7 single crystals are investigated by means of magnetic susceptibility, magnetization, and heat capacity measurements. A structural phase transition of the α–β forms is clearly observed at the temperature range of 200–250 K and an antiferromagnetic ordering with magnetic anisotropy is observed below 20 K. A spin-flop transition is observed with magnetic field applied along the [110] axis of β-Mn2V2O7, of which corresponds to the [001] axis of α-Mn2V2O7, suggesting that the spins of Mn2+ ions locate within honeycomb layers which point likely in the [110] direction of β-Mn2V2O7 or the [001] axis of α-Mn2V2O7. However, a rather small jump of magnetization at spin-flop transition suggests a possible partition of crystal to some domains through β-to-α transition on cooling or much complex spin structure in honeycomb lattice with some frustration.