Growth, Magnetic and Transport Properties of USb2 Single Crystal

High-quality single crystals of USb2 were grown by the Sb self-flux method. The magnetic susceptibility, resistivity, magnetoresistance and specific heat were measured. The results indicate that the 5f electrons in USb2 with a moderately correlated electron system exhibit dual characteristics of localized and itinerant behaviors. The 5f electrons of USb2 begin to cohere around 260 K. USb2 transforms from paramagnetic into antiferromagnetic at 203 K and the reconstruction of the Fermi surface occurs. The electronic structure near Fermi surface is further changed through the first hybridization between the localized 5f electrons and the conduction electrons below 113 K. The second hybridization opens one energy gap near the Fermi surface below 54 K. The crystal field effects also influence physical properties at lower temperatures.