CRYSTAL-STRUCTURE AND MAGNETIC-PROPERTIES OF THE COMPOUND CE2NI15SI2

The crystallographic and magnetic properties of the Ce2Ni15Si2 compoun d was studied by means of neutron diffraction at room temperature and at 2 K. The refinement results of the neutron powder diffraction patte rn show that this compound crystallises in the rhombohedral Th2Zn17-ty pe structure. There is a distinct preference for the Si atoms to occup y the 9d site. No magnetic ordering was detected either at room temper ature or at 2 K in the neutron diagram. From XAFS experiments it was d erived that Ce is in an intermediate valence state in this compound. ( C) 1998 Elsevier Science S.A.