Studies of magnetic and electronic properties of Eu compounds: EuZn2As2, EuZn2P2 and EuSnP

Europium-based compounds exhibit a wide range of intriguing properties due to the element’s ability to exist in two valence states: Eu²⁺, which carries a strong magnetic moment, and non-magnetic Eu³⁺, as well as due to interactions between localized f-electrons and conduction electrons. Presentation is focused on three compounds: EuZn₂As₂, EuZn₂P₂ and EuSnP. They are all antiferromagnets, but have different crystal structures, which strongly affect their magnetic and electronic properties. To gain deeper insight into their properties and ordering of europium’s magnetic moments x-ray diffraction, heat capacity, AC susceptibility, magnetization and Mössbauer spectroscopy (on 151Eu)  measurements were performed as a function of temperature and applied magnetic field. During the presentation, the results of our studies will be presented and discussed.