Crystal structure and physical properties of AmPd5Al2

Abstract

We report on the crystal structure, magnetic susceptibility, specific heat, electrical and thermoelectrical properties of AmPd5Al2, the americium counterpart of the unconventional superconductor NpPd5Al2. AmPd5Al2 crystallizes in the ZrNi2Al5-type of structure with lattice parameters: a = 4.1298 Å and c = 14.7925 Å. Magnetic measurements of AmPd5Al2 indicate a paramagnetic behavior with no hint of magnetic ordering nor superconductivity down to 2 K. This aspect is directly related to its 5f 6 electronic configuration with J = 0. The specific heat measurements confirm the non magnetic ground state of this compound. The low temperature electronic specific heat γe ∼ 20 mJ mol −1 K −2 is clearly enhanced as compared to americium metal. All transport measurements obtained point to a metallic behavior in AmPd5Al2.