Quantum spin liquid (QSL) phases derived from f-element spin centers are important for disentangling the correlation between incipient magnetic order and superconducting phase in f-element materials. Recently, several compounds such as ZnCu3(OH)6Cl2 and H3LiIr2O6 have been shown to be promising QSLs. Herein, we present the synthesis of two f-element frustrated magnets Yb3(OH)7SO4.1.5H2O, a novel 371-type layered rare-earth hydroxide, and KYb2F5SO4, the first fluoride-bridged f-element frustrated magnet, as phase-pure single crystals. Magnetic susceptibility and specific heat measurement on these two compounds show that no spin ordering is observed down to 0.10 K and the magnetic ground state of Yb3+ ions is an effective spin-1/2 Kramer doublet which suggests that Yb3(OH)7SO4.1.5H2O and KYb2F5SO4 are both f-element based QSL candidates. The stacking disorder in the Yb3(OH)7SO4.1.5H2O is elucidated by comparison to its lutetium analog, Lu3(OH)7SO4.3.2H2O. Therefore, the Yb3(OH)7SO4.1.5H2O with stacking disorder can be used as a model compound to study the relationship between disorder and QSL behaviors.

Magneto-structural characterization of two novel ytterbium frustrated magnets

2019 Spring National Meeting

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