Search for hybridization gap in the electronic density of states in CeNiSb

The compounds CeRhSb and CeNiSn show hybridization gap in the electronic-density of states. It is of interest to look for a similar gap in a related compound, CeNiSb. We present here the results of the structural, magnetic, and transport studies on CeNiSb. Rietveld analysis of the room-temperature neutron diffraction data reveals that this compound crystallizes in the hexagonal structure (space group P6(3)/mmc). Magnetization measurements show that this compound is ferromagnetically ordered with a transition temperature of similar to 4 K. The magnetic susceptibility of CeNiSb follows Curie-Weiss behavior between 10 and 300 K with effective paramagnetic moment close to that of Ce3+ ion. The heat capacity of CeNiSb shows a rise at about 4 K due to the ferromagnetic ordering and a moderately large value of gamma is obtained. Its electrical resistivity shows a weak shallow minima at 15 K which is a characteristic feature of Kondo lattice systems. However, no rise in the resistivity at low temperatures, as seen in CeRhSb and CeNiSn, is observed in CeNiSb. (C) 1996 American Institute of Physics.