The synthesis and characterization of LiFeAs and NaFeAs

/ Authors

C. Chu, F. Chen, M. Gooch, A. Guloy, B. Lorenz, B. Lv, K. Sasmal, Z. Tang, J. Tapp, Y. U. D. O. Physics

and 11 more authors

TcSUH, U. Houston, Houston, Tx, Lbnl, Berkeley, Ca, Hkust, H. Kong, China, D. Chemistry

/ Abstract

Abstract The newest homologous series of superconducting Fe-pnictides, LiFeAs (Li111) and NaFeAs (Na111) have been synthesized and investigated. Both crystallize with the layered tetragonal anti-PbFCl-type structure in P4 / nmm space group. Polycrystalline samples and single crystals of Li111 and Na111 display superconducting transitions at ∼18 K and 12–25 K, respectively. No magnetic order has been found in either compound, although a weak magnetic background is clearly in evidence. The origin of the carriers and the stoichiometric compositions of Li111 and Na111 were explored.

Journal: Physica C-superconductivity and Its Applications

DOI: 10.1016/j.physc.2009.03.016