Magnetic behavior of the metal organic framework [(CH3)2NH2]Co(HCOO)3

Abstract

In this study we examine the phase transitions in single crystals of [(CH₃)₂NH₂]Co(HCOO)₃, using magnetization and specific heat measurements as a function of temperature and magnetic field. Magnetisation measurements indicate a transition at 15 K that is associated with an antiferromagnetic ordering. Isothermal magnetization versus magnetic field curves demonstrate the presence of a single-ion magnet phase, coexisting with antiferromagnetism. A peak in specific heat is seen at 15 K, corresponding to a magnetic transition and the enthalpy of the transition evaluated from the area under the specific heat peak which decreases with the application of a magnetic field of up to 8 T. This is suggestive of long range antiferromagnetic magnetic order, giving way to single-ion magnetic behavior under an external magnetic field. At high temperatures, the specific heat measurements show a peak at ∼155 K that is insensitive to the applied magnetic field. Raman scattering studies confirm the presence of a structural transition. The magnetisation in this temperature range, while exhibiting a paramagnetic behavior, shows a distinct jump and the paramagnetic susceptibility changes across the structural transition.