Crystal structure and physical properties of YbCuZnSb2

The crystal structure of YbCuZnSb2 has been determined for the first time by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. It is shown that YbCuZnSb2 has a CaAl2Si2-type structure, space group is P-3m1, with the following unit cell parameters: a = 4.4394(1) and c = 7.4139(3) Å. Magnetic susceptibility measurements performed in the temperature range from 2 to 300 K show that ytterbium ions are found in a nonmagnetic 4f14 ground state (Yb2+). YbCuZnSb2 exhibits p-type conductivity. The temperature dependence of the resistivity has a metallic character. The variations in the Cu/Zn ratio in the synthesized material occur without any disturbance of the structural type. This fact may confirm the existence of a solid solution between the YbZn2Sb2 and YbCuZnSb2 compounds.