On the properties of the novel CeMgNi2T2 (T = Co, Cu) alloys and their hydrides

In this contribution, we report the results of the studies on the novel CeMgNi2Co2 and CeMgNi2Cu2 alloys and their hydrides/deuterides. Both the parent alloys and the CeMgNi2Co2H6.1 hydride crystallize in the MgCu4Sn-type structure, while the CeMgNi2Cu2H6.0 hydride becomes almost completely amorphous. In the MgCu4Sn structure the 3d metals are distributed over the 16e site forming the pyrochlore lattice. That makes this system particularly interesting as concerns the magnetic properties. Our studies reveal that magnetic susceptibilities of the alloys are weakly temperature-dependent and therefore, the Pauli-like paramagnetism can be suggested. Additionally, the results of the low temperature neutron diffraction experiments revealed the lack of the long-range magnetic ordering. •The novel CeMgNi2Co2 and CeMgNi2Cu2 alloys crystallize in the MgCu4Sn-type structure.•The CeMgNi2Cu2 becomes amorphous after hydrogenation.•The CeMgNi2Co2 retains the original structure.•The nickel and cobalt atoms form the frustrated pyrochlore lattice.•The Pauli-like paramagnetism is observed for those highly frustrated compounds.