Metathetical reaction growth and characterization of delafossite-type Pd(Co,Mg)O-2 single crystals

Single crystals of magnesium substituted PdCoO2 have been successfully grow n using a metathetical reaction. The crystals show silvery metallic lustre and have a form of habitual polyhedral shape. The maximum size of the grown crystals is about 1.0 x 1.0 x 0.3 mm(3), which is larger than pure PdCoO2 crystals. Polygonal growth steps on the surface and bunchings on the side w all of the crystals are observed. This indicates that the crystals are grow n layer by layer. The chemical composition of the crystals inspected by sca nning electron microscope-electron probe microanalyzer inductively coupled plasma spectrocopy ICP and Thermo-gravimetry-differential thermal analysis is Pd1.000Co0.982Mg0.018O2.00 This suggests that magnesium ions substitute cobalt ions. Magnetic susceptibilities in a magnetic field of 1 T show the Curie-Weiss type temperature dependence. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.