XPS on Gd_1−<i>x</i>Ce_<i>x</i>Co₂ Intermetallic Compounds

Abstract

The electronic structure of Gd 1− x Ce x Co 2 compounds with x = 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.75, and 0.9 is investigated by means of X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). All investigated samples are single phase and possess a cubic MgCu 2 Laves type structure (C15). XPS core level spectra point out the intermediate valence state of Ce ions and that the Co atoms carry magnetic moments of similar magnitude in all compounds but smaller than in pure Co metal. The XPS valence band spectra of Gd 1− x Ce x Co 2 compounds are mainly the result of the Co 3d, Ce 5d, and Ce 4f states superposition, influenced by the 3d–5d and 3d–4f hybridizations.