Factors governing Yb magnetism in Yb{sub 0.95}PtIn{sub 2} and other MgCuAl{sub 2}-type structures

The ternary compound 'YbPtIn{sub 2}' has been synthesized and its crystal structure determined using single crystal X-ray diffraction techniques. The compound crystallizes in the MgCuAl{sub 2} structure, a ternary structure type often formed when rare earth metals, Group 10 transition metals, and indium are present in a 1:1:2 ratio. The unit cell is C-centered orthorhombic, space group Cmcm (no. 63) with lattice parameters of a=4.3410(1) A, b=10.3230(2) A, and c=7.8510(2) A. Evidence is found for a substantial non-stoichiometry on the Yb site, in contrast to the Pt and In sites which behave as expected, and it is believed that the stoichiometry of this compound is more properly described as Yb{sub 0.95}PtIn{sub 2}. Magnetic and resistivity measurements reveal that 'YbPtIn{sub 2}' is a weakly interacting, non-magnetic metal exclusively containing Yb{sup 2+}, and with a resistivity ({rho}) varying from 34 {mu}{Omega} cm at room temperature to a residual resistivity {rho}{sub 0} of 23 {mu}{Omega} cm at 1.8 K. Density functional theory calculations suggest that the observed diamagnetic Yb behavior is expected for this compound, but that certain substitutions on the Pt or In site could help stabilize magnetic Yb{sup 3+} and potentially induce heavy fermion behavior. - Graphical abstract: The crystal structure, magnetic behavior, and temperature-dependent resistivity of the new ternary compound Yb{sub 0.95}PtIn{sub 2.} Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Flux growth method used to produce Yb{sub 0.95}PtIn{sub 2} single crystals. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Found rare example of non-stoichiometry in a MgCuAl{sub 2}-type structure. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The resistivity and diamagnetic response of Yb{sub 0.95}PtIn{sub 2} were modeled. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer DFT correctly predicts presence of Yb{sup 2+} in Yb{sub 0.95}PtIn{sub 2}. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer COHP results suggest other MgCuAl{sub 2}-type indides that may contain paramagnetic Yb{sup 3+}.