Evidence for ferromagnetic ordering in the MAX phase (Cr0.96Mn0.04)(2)GeC

Magnetic ordering in the MAX phase (Cr0.96Mn0.04)(2)GeC is investigated by means of neutron powder diffraction (NPD). Upon cooling, the temperature dependence of the magnetization shows a two-step increase. The NPD refinement reveals that the first step, at 300 K, and the second step, at 38 K, originate from a collinear magnetic structure within the MAX phase and a spinel MnCr2O4 impurity phase, respectively. The former magnetic structure is oriented perpendicular to the c axis, with a net magnetic moment of similar to 0.6(2) mu(B) per Cr/Mn atom at 50 K. This is the first direct evidence for magnetic ordering within a bulk MAX phase. [GRAPHICS] IMPACT STATEMENT Direct neutron diffraction evidence for magnetic ordering in a bulk (Cr0.96Mn0.04)(2)GeC polycrystalline MAX phase sample is presented for the first time.Funding Agencies|Knut and Alice Wallenberg (KAW) Foundation; Swedish Foundation for Strategic Research (SSF) through the synergy grant FUNCASE