Structural and physical properties of layered oxy-arsenides LnRuAsO (Ln=La, Nd, Sm, Gd)

Polycrystalline samples of LaRuAsO, NdRuAsO, SmRuAsO, and GdRuAsO have been synthesized and studied using powder x-ray diffraction, electrical transport, magnetization, and heat capacity measurements. Variations in structural properties across the series reveal a trend toward more ideal tetrahedral coordination around Ru as the size of the rare earth element is reduced. The lattice parameters of these Ru compounds show a more anisotropic response to variation in Ln than their Fe analogs, and significant anisotropy in thermal expansion is also observed. Transport measurements show metallic behavior, and carrier concentrations near 1021–1022 electrons per cm3 are inferred from simple analysis of Hall effect measurements. Anomalies in resistivity, magnetization, and heat capacity indicate antiferromagnetic ordering of rare earth moments at 5 K for GdRuAsO, 4.5 K for SmRuAsO, and <2K for NdRuAsO. Magnetization measurements on LaRuAsO show no evidence of a magnetic moment on Ru. Observed behaviors are compared to those reported for similar Fe and Ru compounds. - Graphical abstract: Analysis of crystal structure, electrical transport, magnetic susceptibility, and heat capacity of LaRuAsO, NdRuAsO, SmRuAsO, and GdRuAsO. Highlights: ► Experimental investigation of LaRuAsO, NdRuAsO, SmRuAsO, and GdRuAsO. ► Anisotropic lattice response to changing Ln radius and temperature. ► Ru coordination becomes more ideal as Ln radius is reduced. ► Transport measurements reveal metallic conduction dominated by electrons. ► Magnetic measurements indicate antiferromagnetic ordering Nd, Sm, and Gd moments.