Crystal structure and magnetic behaviour of DyCo₂ compound at high pressures

The crystal structure and magnetic properties of DyCo₂ compound were studied at pressures p ≤ 5.6 GPa, in the temperature range 4–300 K, by neutron diffraction. In addition, magnetic measurements and band structure calculations were performed. The pressure dependence of the cobalt moments, experimentally determined, agree well with the calculated values. An isomorphic structure transition, parallelly with the collapse of cobalt moments, has been evidenced. The physical mechanisms involved in describing the pressure effects on the DyCo₂ magnetic properties are analysed. - Highlights: • Pressure dependence of cobalt moment and their collapse in DyCo₂. • Evolution with pressure of Co3d orbitals energies. • Isomorphous structure transition. • Quenching of spin fluctuations.