Zn(C3H3N2)2: a novel diamagnetic insulator

We have prepared polycrystalline samples of Zn(C3H3N2)2 by a liquid-mix technique. Characterization of the obtained samples has been performed with the aid of elemental, thermogravimetric, infrared spectra and X-ray powder diffraction analysis. We have measured electric permittivity (ε', ε''), ac-conductivity (σac), magnetic susceptibility (χ) and specific heat (Cp). The obtained data indicate that this material is a new diamagnetic insulator. A maximum around 4.5 K is found in CpT-3, and it is suggested that in addition to the Debye lattice contribution, there exists a low-frequency mode assigned as an Einstein mode contribution to the total specific heat. As a main result of the study, we found ε' to be constant in a wide temperature range and to have a small value of 2.3 at room temperature. This feature in combination with other properties like crystallization, good thermal stability (up to 400 deg. C), weak moisture sensitivity and simple synthesis makes Zn(C3H3N2)2 to be a promising candidate for good insulating material in various applications