Chemically Tuning between Ferromagnetism and Antiferromagnetism by Combining Theory and Synthesis in Iron/Manganese Rhodium Borides

Abstract

Quaternary rhodium borides of general formula A2MRh5B2 (see picture: Mg green, Mn red, Rh blue, B yellow) offer a nice playground for combined synthetic–theoretical investigations. The relative robustness of the underlying structure type allows various adjustments of the valence-electron concentration to be explored. In synthesizing new magnetic materials by following a chemical theory of cooperative magnetic phenomena, it is demonstrated how physical properties, such as antiferromagnetic or ferromagnetic behavior can be understood, predicted, and, eventually, realized.