Synthesis, physical properties and electronic structure of Sr1−xLaxCu2Pn2 (Pn=P, As, Sb)

To explore new series of high-Tc superconductors, Cu-based ternary pnictides of SrCu2Pn2 (Pn=P, As, Sb) with La doping were synthesized at 1073 K from the stoichiometric reaction of the elements. The electrical and magnetic properties as well as the electronic structure were systematically investigated. Absence of superconductive transition was observed over the temperature range from room temperature down to 2 K, and these materials show p-type metal-like conductivity and Pauli paramagnetic behavior. The near EF bands mainly originate from Cu 3d and Pn np states and the value of total densities of states (DOS) becomes higher as Pn goes from P to Sb. The results provides us with considerable information for a better understanding of the transport properties in pnictides.