Synthesis, structure and physical properties of LnNi(Sn,Sb)3 (Ln=Pr, Nd, Sm, Gd, Tb)

Five new analogues of the β-CeNiSb3 family have been synthesized and found to be LnNi(Sn,Sb)3 and isostructural to the previously reported β-CeNiSb3. LnNi(Sn,Sb)3 (Ln=Pr, Nd, Sm, Gd, or Tb) crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group, Pbcm, with lattice parameters of a∼12.9 Å, b∼6.1 Å, c∼12.0 Å. The structure consists of layers of nearly square nets of X (X=Sn/Sb) atoms and highly distorted NiX6 octahedra. Lanthanide atoms are located between layers of X and NiX6 octahedra. All analogues are metallic and experimental effective magnetic moments are in agreement with the respective Ln3+ calculated moments.