High-pressure synthesis and magnetic properties of Gd2Rh3Al9 with a distorted honeycomb lattice

This study focuses on exploring new Gd-based intermetallic compounds with honeycomb structures to elucidate intriguing magnetic phenomena, particularly the presence of magnetic skyrmions. The compound Gd2Rh3Al9, synthesized via high-temperature and high-pressure methods, exhibits an orthorhombic structure characterized by a distorted Gd-honeycomb network. Comprehensive investigations of its temperature-dependent behavior in polycrystalline samples reveal sequential antiferromagnetic transitions occurring at T1 = 13.6 K and T2 = 4.1 K. These transitions arise from the antiferromagnetic interaction between the magnetic moments of Gd3+ (S = 7/2) situated within the distorted honeycomb layer. Despite not observing a skyrmion phase in this compound, the data provide valuable insights into the complex behavior of Gd-based intermetallic compounds and their potential as hosts for novel magnetic phases. Further research, particularly using single crystals, is needed to explore the possibility of forming a skyrmion phase in this compound.