Cu2Mn1-xCoxSnS4: Novel kesterite type solid solutions

A new family of Cu2Mn1-xCoxSnS4 chalcogenides has been synthesized by conventional solid-state reactions at 850 degrees C. The reactions products were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (SEM-EDS), Raman spectroscopy and magnetic susceptibility. The crystal structures of two members of the solid solution series Cu2Mn0.4Co0.6SnS4 and Cu2Mn0.2Co0.8SnS4 have been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Both phases crystallize in the tetragonal kesterite-type structure (space group I (4) over bar). The distortions of the tetrahedral volume of Cu2Mn0.4 Co0.6SnS4 and Cu2Mn0.2Co0.8SnS4 were calculated and compared with the corresponding differences in the Cu2MnSnS4 (stannite-type) end-member. The compounds show nearly the same Raman spectral features. Temperature-dependent magnetization measurements (ZFC/FC) and high-temperature susceptibility indicate that these solid solutions are antiferromagnetic. (C) 2012 Published by Elsevier Inc.