Chemically tuning between ferromagnetism and antiferromagnetism by combining theory and synthesis in iron/manganese rhodium borides

Abstract

Quaternary rhodium borides of general formula A2MRh5B2 (see picture: Mg green, Mn red, Rh blue, B yellow) offer a nice playground for combined synthetic- theoretical investigations. The relative robustness of the underlying structure type allows various adjustments of the valence - electron concentration to be explored. In synthesizing new magnetic materials by following a chemical theory of cooperative magnetic phenomena, it is demonstrated how physical properties, such as antiferromagnetic or ferromagnetic behavior can be understood, predicted, and, eventually, realized.