The anhydrous alums as model triangular-lattice magnets

Abstract

We show that materials based on the yavapaiite layered structure are of potential interest as realizations of a model quasi-two-dimensional triangular-lattice antiferromagnet. The structure type is such that magnetic ions occupy a regular or very slightly distorted triangular lattice in well separated layers. We report the magnetic susceptibility versus temperature behaviour of three compounds: , which has an equilateral triangular lattice, and and which both have isosceles triangular lattices. A comparison of the behaviour of these three compounds identifies the effect of distortion and the spin value on the properties of the triangular-lattice antiferromagnet. , which we have made for the first time, has S = 1/2, and may prove to be the best example of the S = 1/2 triangular-lattice antiferromagnet yet discovered.